Plant Basics
Aquarium plants are both aesthetic and useful. While adding to the artistic dimension of an aquarium, they help mitigate harmful toxins in the aquarium, provide fish with a place to hide, and often utilize substances which contribute to algae.
Always ensure that your plants appear healthy, the leaves should be lush. Look for smaller younger leaves, which would indicate the plant is still viable.
Pay close attention to the root structure, you want enough root that you can cut most of it back and still allow the plant to grow. make sure the roots don't appear too fragile.
Prepare your plant by removing any Mineral Wool or Gel Culture, A pair of Pinsets can held here. For Gel, manually remove as much as you can over a bowl of water to capture all the clumps of gel.
Before actually placing any plants, remove any old or discolored leaves and trim back the roots to roughly 1 inch. This helps promote growth, and allows the roots to adapt the size of subtrate gravel.
Understand that all plants are technically 'Planted' into the substrate, such as plants with rhizones or mosses. Use fishing line or twist ties to help secure these in place until they have grown securely in place.
Be aware of how tall your plants will grow, and place them accordingly. Small plants toward the front and taller plants toward the back. For instance, tall growing Water Wisteria will grow tall, while Staurogyne Repens will be hidden if placed behind the Wisteria.
When aquascaping, always place your hardscape first, as it is the backbone of the layout. Place plants accordingly around it, filling in gaps as you go.
Use a liquid fertilizer regularly, and always after maitenence. Keep in mind that some liquid fertilizers may be affected by the presence of a carbon filter.
Know your dosing schedule. Inject Pressurized Co2, such as Fluval Co2 or use a liquid Co2, such as API Co2 Booster.
