Brighten Up Large Aquariums with Aquatic Plant Life
Designing custom large aquariums is one of the most exciting aspects of being an aquarist, and plants are one of the best ways to breathe life into a design. However, choosing the right plants can be as challenging as choosing the right fish or décor. A plant is both a decoration and a living organism, so you must consider its aesthetic appeal and biological needs.
When you’re still new to the hobby, navigating huge product inventories without a frame of reference can be confusing. Living Art Aquatics is here to help you out.
Aquarium plants are categorized by where you place them in the aquarium. To keep the inside of the tank visible, you should place low-lying plants in the front and taller ones further back. Below are nine species that are great for beginners starting to experiment with plants.
1. Java Moss
This low-maintenance moss grows on rocks and driftwood in custom aquariums. It grows best in 70-75°F water and provides baby fish with some shelter and additional food. Since it’s a foreground plant, also known as “carpet plants,” it looks best when placed at the front of large aquariums.
2. Water Wisteria
These lace-like leaves are low-maintenance and fast-growing. They’re tall and great for lining the front edges of custom aquariums. Use one (or a few) in individual placements for a subtle, minimalistic vibe for your large aquarium. Or, use multiple water wisteria together in a group to create a moderately dense place for your aquatic life to hide.
3. Lilaeopsis
The lilaepsis typically resembles tiny 2-inch tufts of grass, making them excellent carpet plants for large aquariums. They can spread across the entire aquarium floor and may need occasional pruning.
4. Cryptocoryne Beckettii
This plant’s leaves have a reddish hue. It does well in various temperatures and light levels and is easy to care for. Due to its size, this plant will look best in the midground or background of your large aquarium.
5. Amazon Sword
Although you may not be familiar with the name, most people would recognize the Amazon Sword plant if they saw it. It’s one of the more common plants seen in large aquariums and small alike. These plants have leaves resembling swords and can grow to about 20 inches tall. Because of that height, they’re usually best placed in groups in the back of large aquariums.
6. Green Tiger Lotus
This plant has broad leaves that provide hiding spots for your fish. It does well in mid-range conditions and needs very little maintenance. Plus, this plant’s varying shades of pink can add a pop of vibrant color to any large aquarium.
7. Java Fern
This fern makes a beautiful, low-maintenance background decoration. The leaves appear almost feathery in the aquarium, providing tactile diversity that many aquatic life loves. It’s fairly versatile and can be used aesthetically in nearly any area of your large aquarium.
8. African Water Fern
This feathery fern is another versatile one. It looks good in both foreground and background, with thinner leaves allowing other plants to peek through. The African Water Fern thrives in most conditions with minimal maintenance, though it does best in low light or shade.
9. Anubias Nana
This plant has dark oval leaves and grows to be about 6 inches tall. It doesn’t need much maintenance, making it ideal for a beginner. Due to its height, the Anubias Nana will do best in either the middle or background of your large aquarium, depending on the size of your other plants.
Other Tips for Keeping Plants in Large Aquariums
Match Environmental Needs: Just like any other organism, each plant species has its own needs in terms of water quality, temperature, and lighting. Ensure these are compatible with the other inhabitants to keep your aquarium maintenance schedule as simple as possible.
Use the Right Substrate: Different plants need different things out of the substrate where they anchor their roots. The ideal is typically 2-3 inches of laterite topped with an inch of gravel. This helps their roots develop and provides a more natural look.
Stick to Green Plants: Typically, green plants are easier to care for in freshwater aquariums. They require less direct sunlight, so you’re less at risk of excessive algae growth.
Get Professional Help with Your Large Aquarium Design!
Plants are just one part of designing large aquariums, though. For someone without a lot of experience, it can be tough learning about it all just to get started. Here at Living Art Aquatics, we’ve been designing artistic seascapes for over 20 years, so we take a lot of guesswork out of the equation.
For more guidance building lush and vibrant custom aquariums, call Living Art Aquatics today at (847) 737-5151. Let’s turn that aquarium into a piece of living art!
