Are Floating Plants Good For Aquarium
Keeping an aquarium is a fascinating hobby for many. It's not just about having a beautiful water tank but also about creating a healthy environment for the fishes and other aquatic creatures. One of the essential components of any aquarium is the plants. They provide oxygen, food, and even a hiding place for the fishes. There are different types of aquarium plants, and one of them is the floating plants. In this article, we will discuss whether floating plants are good for an aquarium or not.
What Are Floating Plants?
Floating plants are aquatic plants that do not have any roots anchored in the substrate. Instead, they float on the surface of the water, absorbing nutrients and CO2 from the water column. Some of the commonly used floating plants in an aquarium are duckweed, water lettuce, water hyacinth, and frogbit.
Benefits of Floating Plants in Aquarium
There are several benefits of using floating plants in an aquarium:
- Provide Shade: Floating plants create a natural shade in the aquarium, which is beneficial for the fishes that prefer low-light environments.
- Reduce Algae Growth: Floating plants consume the excess nutrients in the water, which otherwise would have been utilized by algae. This, in turn, reduces the growth of algae in the aquarium.
- Improve Water Quality: Floating plants absorb nitrates and phosphates from the water and convert them into biomass. This helps in maintaining the water quality of the aquarium.
- Provide Hiding Place: Floating plants provide a hiding place for the fishes, especially for the fry and the shy ones.
Drawbacks of Floating Plants in Aquarium
While there are several benefits of using floating plants in an aquarium, there are also some drawbacks:
- Block Light: Floating plants can block the light from reaching the bottom of the aquarium, which can be problematic for the plants that need a lot of light.
- Overgrowth: Some floating plants, such as duckweed, can grow too quickly and cover the entire surface of the water, which can cause problems for the fishes that need to come up to the surface to breathe.
- Difficulty in Maintenance: Floating plants require regular maintenance, such as removing the excess plant debris and ensuring that they don't overgrow in the aquarium.
Conclusion
Overall, floating plants can be a great addition to an aquarium, provided that they are used appropriately. They provide several benefits, such as providing shade, reducing algae growth, improving water quality, and providing a hiding place for the fishes. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as blocking light, overgrowth, and difficulty in maintenance. Therefore, it's essential to consider these factors before adding floating plants to your aquarium.
