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Live Plants
The addition of live plants to your aquarium not only makes a more natural environment, but also provides natural shelter for fish, thereby reducing stress and supporting natural behavior. Plants also provide hiding places for baby fish and for species that are being harassed by other inhabitants. Plants such as Hygrophila, Anacharis and Hornwort consume algae causing nutrients. Most live plants can exist in aquariums with plain gravel. The addition of liquid fertilizers is necessary in a newly set up tank. You can also use plant substrates under the gravel when setting up your aquarium. This may be in the form of a peat plate, which the plants can root into, and draw nutrients from, or from fluorite, a granular substrate. Most plants do well where the temperature is between 75 - 88° F. PH levels should be in the range of 5.9 - 7.2. Most plants require moderate to strong lighting.
Driftwood, Rocks & OrnamentsBe careful not to put rocks or driftwood pieces that you have found at the beach into your aquarium. The release of bacteria can be hazardous to your fishes health. Boiling does not necessarily get them clean. Driftwood adds an interesting dimension to many aquariums and provides an ideal anchor for plants such as Anubias barteri, Bolbitis heudelotii, and Vesicularia dubyana (Java Moss). Slate, lava rock, arctic lace rocks, quartz, amethyst and granite are suitable for aquarium use. Coral should not be used in a fresh water set-up. Fish might injure themselves on the sharp edges. Marble and shells tend to make the water more alkaline. Some rocks also release too much mineral into the water. Rock caves are easily made with slate or lava. Make sure to use an 'aquarium silicone' to adhere the pieces together.
There is a variety of life-like poly resin ornaments that are safe for aquarium use. Ceramic ornaments are readily available.
And if your can't seem to keep real plants alive, try silk plants. They come with weighted bottoms, very realistic and a wide assortment of types and sizes.
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