Vallisneria Spiralis, Italian Vals, Another Great Plant for Convict Cichlids

Vallisneria Spiralis, Italian Vals

Vallisneria Spiralis or as most people know them as Italian Vals are wonderful tall background plants. They do well in just about all water types and lighting, from soft to hard and low light to high light. With Vallisneria Spiralis you can cut the leaves to any size without damaging the plant which makes them great for small, large, tall, and short tanks.

Light Needs: Low to moderate

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Region: Asia

Size: 30-55+ cm

Growth Rate: Fast

If you are considering buying you should receive 3 Rooted plants, leaves are approx.  15" to 20" tall.

             

Italian Vals, Another Great Plant for Convict Cichlids

By Bob Fenner

           

Vallisneria americana, a Jungle Val. in aquarium and in Florida in a drainage ditch

Amongst the most hardy and undemanding aquatic plants, Vallisnerias are easily grown in most aquariums. Their easy requirements are nutrient bearing gravel, lots of light and careful initial planting (with their white crown bases barely above gravel.

Vals are great for backgrounds, tank sides and central areas where high relief is desired. The genus is probably the most widely offered in the hobby; and the lowest cost to purchase and cultivate. Don't worry about killing them off, you will probably have to periodically thin out these plants to reduce their dense thickets.

 

Distribution & Classification

The genus is widely distributed over a large part of the globe, fresh to brackish, tropics to semi-temperate, naturally and through human introduction.

Vallisneriaare members of the monocotyledon family Hydrocharitaceae. This group that should be familiar to aquatic horticulturists as it also contains other important genera; Elodea (anacharis), the beautiful heart-shaped Limnobium and notorious Hydrilla verticillata, among others.

The Vallisnerias are superficially similar to the equally popular and appropriate arrowheads, genus Sagittaria. These look-alikes have pointier leaves, whiter, thicker roots and different venation in their leaf structure. Sag's typically bear darker green, stiffer leaves than vals.

There are about ten species of Vallisnerias, but good luck sorting them out. There is much confusion in the trade and literature on the common and scientific naming of these species and their hybrids and sport mutations. But as William Shakespeare wrote, "what's in a name"? Don't let labels dissuade you from trying the vals; they're all good.

The Players: Vallisneria spiralisLinnaeus is the beginning of the 'name game' trouble. This plant is named for the long spiraling stalk of its female flowers, but among its many synonyms and cultivar varieties are many surprisingly different structural types.

V. spiralis has one sub-form, termed "forma tortafolia", a sport mutation labeled V. tortissima and other 'contortionist' races that are variously sold as "spiral, corkscrew, twisted..."; Val in the trade.

The common names for the "parent" species include "tape grass" and "straight Val". Does this seem confused? You bet. There are many sports worldwide that have been named for variations in their leaves; Vallisneria spiralis forma portugalensis, V. s. forma nana, V. s. forma pusilla, V. s. forma gracilis. And the fun doesn't stop there; synonyms (invalid same species names) Vallisneria americana, V. jaquinii, V. linnei, V. minor are only the beginning of misnomers (see Roe). I'll never complain about African cichlids again.

V. spiralis plants can be distinguished from other vals and Sagittarias on the basis of the 'veins' in their leaves. They have five "ribs" which end parallel at the leaf tip. The middle vein is flanked by one thick and one thin vein near the leaf edge.

Anyway, all of the V. spiralis same species and varieties are very good aquarium plants. Some stay less than a foot high with leaves about a quarter inch, others get to about twice as tall and wide. Some have straight, others varyingly tightly corkscrew wound leafing. Here's an image of V. spiralis in an aquarium.

           

Vallisneria gigantea Graebner is like its name sounds the 'true' giant val. This is the largest species, growing to over six feet; for larger aquaria or even sub-tropical ponds. It originated in New Guinea and the Philippines, but we grow it outside all year round in my home-town of San Diego, California.

Leaves with seven veins, available sometimes in a beautiful red which changes back to green with increased lighting. This species is best blind potted to facilitate moving, re-fertilization.

Vallisneria asiaticaMiki, 1934. Naturally distributed in temperate areas of Asia. Ribbon-like non-twisted leaves, 16-24 "; long, up to 1/3; " wide. Imported since 1970, often sold as V. spiralis; don't you hate common names?

Vallisneria neotropicalisMarie Victoria, 1943. Distribution Southern U.S., Cuba. Color deep green to reddish. Often offered as American, giant, Italian Val in the west. To five foot long; large tanks only. One large central mid-rib with 4 long veins in every leaf.

Cultivation Notes:

Vallisneriaen moderate pH's (6-7.5); most species do well in tropical temperatures, 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit. V. gigantea will grow into the fifties. As regards mineral content, the water should not be too hard, a KH of 15 degrees or lower is best. Should your water start too hard from its source, you might consider mixing it with non-hard water (R.O., deionized), use of an acidifying agent, or transfer 'old' water from another system.

Substrate size and depth, with or without undergravel filter use is relatively unimportant. Silica sand or washed gravel will do with no supplementation other than fish wastes generally necessary or desirable. The larger species I would blind pot to facilitate moving and re-fertilizing, others do fine without utilizing peat, soil or other media placed under the gravel.

Care in planting is far more important; take care to not bury more than the root base of these plants, nor to get gravel between and amongst their leaf base. To plant gently drag the plants' roots under the gravel pulling the crown above the gravel at its white base.

Lighting cannot be practically too great in terms of strength or duration. The best light source for these and other specialty live-plant tanks is still full-spectrum fluorescents (e.g. Vita-lite), but most types of illumination will sustain these plants; if your plants don't seem to be growing, increase duration; where in doubt, extend the daylight.

Propagation: Occurs via two mechanisms, sexual by flowering and asexually through vegetative 'runners'.

Vallisnerias are dioecious, with separate male and female flowering plants. These flowers appear on special stems that can grow as much as 2 cm. (1/2 inch) per hour. The male flower spathe is short and releases male flowers near the base of the plant that rise to the surface pollinating the long-stalked female flowers. On fertilizing these coil and ripen underwater.

Display, Competition:  The genus Vallisneria grows and shows well with those other hardy favorites the Cryptocorynes (crypts), Ceratopteris (water fern), Hygrophilas, Aponogetons, elodeas, and the South American Swordplants in the genus Echinodorus.

Some other writers and friends have stated that for whatever reasons that the genera Sagittaria and Vallisneria do not mix well in the same system. Perhaps sags prefer higher calcium concentrations than vals; maybe one produces allelopathogenic chemicals that mal-affect the other? To my experience there are no difficulties in mixing the two; I've done it and seen many instances of other folks growing them together, luxuriantly.

Collecting Your Own: Can be done as various varieties are to be found around the world. The usual words of caution here: 1) Check for permits in your area. 2) Do not, for any reason, place/replace plant stocks where they can 'get loose' in the wild 3) Do carefully inspect wild-collected plants, dip in alum, potassium permanganate, other prepared solution to remove unwanted pests, pollution and parasites and 4) definitely quarantine for a good two weeks plus...

Conclusion: Despite the perplexing naming, cross common-naming of the various vals, these are rightly the most popular aquarium plants. They are tolerant of an amazing range of water qualities, lighting conditions and quantities and do just fine with any type of substrate and simple fish 'manure' fertilization.

Simply plant them crown-out of the gravel in an area where you want something tall, and watch them grow.

Bibliography/Further: Baensch, Hans A. Aquarium Atlas, Vol. 2. Tetra Press, 1212 pgs.

Brown, Phillip J. 1977. Vallisneria. TFH 4/77.

Brunner, Gerhard. 1973. Aquarium Plants. T.F.H. Publ., N.J.

Gasser, Robert A. 1979. Contortionist Val. FAMA 2/79.

James, Barry. 1986. A Fishkeepers Guide to Aquarium Plants. Tetra Press, Salamander Books, U.K.

Prescott, G.W. 1969 How to Know the Aquatic Plants. Wm C. Brown Co., Iowa.

Roe, Colin D. 1967. A Manual of Aquarium Plants. Shirley Aquatics, Ltd.

Stodola, Jiri. 1967. Encyclopedia of Water Plants. T.F.H. Publ., N.J.

Related FAQs: Vallisneria Plants for the Aquarium Garden, Pond Plants and Planting,

Related Articles: Live Plants for Aquariums,

The Aquarium Gardener Series

The Genus Vallisneria Linne

Graphics: Two transparencies of the highly variable V. spiralis, labeled and sold as "jungle Val" in the western U.S.. The first clearly shows asexual reproduction via 'runners', as well as the namesake 'spiral' female flower stalk. The outdoors picture is from southern Florida where this plant is a contaminant (unwanted foreign species) growing in a drainage canal. 3) For comparison the more stout, bluish green-bean colored Sagittaria (S. sagittifolia). 4,5) Two poor aquarium shots of V. spiralis tortifolia showing the off its beautiful twisted appearance.

Anubias Nana Pette, Beautiful anubias specie for Convict Cichlid

Anubias Barteri Var. Nana 'Petite'. Anubias petite

Live Aquarium Plants; Low Light Plants; ANUBIAS NANA PETITE, Beautiful anubias specie

Anubias Barteri Var. Nana 'Petite'. Anubias petite is one of the smallest anubias specie. The leaves average around the size of finger nail which makes it great for nano tanks or to dress up small pieces of driftwood. They do great from low light to high light tanks. Attach them to driftwood, aquarium decorations, or plant in your substrate. This plant does well in almost any water type and lighting again this is great plant for your South American Convict cichlids because the convict cichlid requires low light and this plant  grows well in low light; remember to purchase a cheap automatic timer so your tank lights will be turned off after running for no more than 7 hours.

Anubias petite is one of the smallest anubias specie

Hardiness: Very Easy

Light Needs: Low

Plant Structure: Rhizome

Family: Araceae

Genus: Anubias

Region: Cultivar

Location: Cultivar

Size: 3-5cm (1-2in) tall

Family: Araceae

Continent: Cultivar

Height: 3-5 cm

Width:  5-10+ cm

Light requirements: very low-high

Temperature:    20-30 °C

Hardness tolerance: very soft or very hard

pH tolerance:    6-8

Growth: very slow

Demands: easy

This is a very rare find. This Anubia is a hybrid miniature nana. It only needs low light, it's hardy and very easy to grow. Each plant is less than the size of a 50 cent piece full grown!! The Nana Petite is ideally suitable for miniature aquascapes for small aquariums.

Description

Home Plantpedia Search Results Anubias nana var. 'Petite'

Anubias nana var. 'Petite'

Anubias nana 'Petite'

Background History

Nicknamed by hobbyists as "nana petite", Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ is a neat little plant that has become a favorite low maintenance mid-ground plant. Originally cultivated from the Anubias barteri var. nana, the petite version exhibits very condense and compact leaf growth.

Anubias nana ‘Petite’ is not demanding and fills up the little empty spaces in between nooks and crannies. Best of all this tiny plant can be moved around since it is best tied onto small rocks or small pieces of driftwood.

Anubias nana ‘Petite’ has great aquascaping potential for just about every aquarium, but can be especially useful in nano aquascapes.

Growth Characteristics

Anubias nana ‘Petite’ is composed of several small leaves and a hard stalks stem called a rhizome. The entire plant grows to approximately 2 inch wide by 2 inch tall (5 cm). The ½ inch wide (1 cm) leaves are beautifully round and dark green. These tiny leaves sprout from a rhizome which extends roots that anchor the plant to rocks and the substrate.

Like most Anubias species, Anubias nana ‘Petite’ does not require much attention. Regular water changes and the occasional dose of fertilizers will keep this plant healthy. It grows well in a wide range of water conditions, but grows fastest in cool water, high light and carbon dioxide inject setups. In lower light conditions, it is truly a low maintenance plant and will continue to grow slowly (1-2 leaves a month).

A recommend trimming once a month allows new leaves to grow. Anubias nana ‘Petite’ are susceptible to black brush algae [BBA], and Green spot algae [GSA]. This can be an eyesore but it is easily remedied. Trim any algae infected leaves, and soak in 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. The thin filaments of the algae infesting the plant will start to whiten. At this point remove and rinse the Anubias nana ‘Petite’ and its leaves with a few drops of anti-chlorine. Rub each leaf off of the dying algae. One final freshwater rinse will clean off the leaves completely.

Anubias nana ‘Petite’ is easily propagated by splitting a healthy rhizome, ensuring both halves contain at least three leaves.

Aquascaping Application

Anubias nana ‘Petite’ looks best in groups of at least 3 plants. Attach the rhizome to driftwood using thread or fishing line. Small Rocks may be also attached, which provides greater mobility in rearrange an aquascape later.

Aquascapers often plant this plant in smaller bunches at the base of driftwood or stones, or they may attempted to create a large Anubias nana ‘Petite’ retaining-like wall serves as a borders against other plants. Aquascapers also enjoy pairing Anubias nana ‘Petite’ with other species of larger species of Anubias to fill in open pockets of space or Anubias nana ‘Petite’ is a versatile plant in nano aquascapes. It can serve as a foreground or a background plant.

Anubias nana 'Petite'

Plant Profile

Scientific Name: Anubias nana var. 'Petite'

Common Name: Anubias nana 'Petite'

Difficulty: Very Easy

CO2 Requirements: Very Low

Lighting Requirements: Low

Plant Arrangement: Foreground

Growth Rate: Slow

Family: Araceae

Genus: Anubias

Origin: Undefined/Unknown

Plant Type: Rhizome

Water Hardness: Medium (GH = 9-13 dH)

Accessories for this product...

Lead Weights (not pure) Plant Anchors (quantity of 10) or Professional Plant Anchors)

www.AquariumPlants.com: SUBSTRATE VITALIZATION

Reviews for Anubias nana ‘Petite’  

so cute!            January 31, 2012

Reviewer: Kelly from Stockton, CA United States          

This nana the second time was very very healthy and pretty good sized, no pot as I thought I was getting, but I got 5 small bunches which is better.

           

Beautiful and hardy       July 7, 2011

Reviewer: Yemanou from New Hampshire         

I bought these for a low tech 10 gallon with LED lights and no CO2. I fixed the plants with rubberbands on lavarocks (which I bought from home depot barbecue section). After three months they doubled in size and are now well anchored in the lava rock, which allows me to easily move them around with the rock. The look beautiful in dark green and are very dense. I already cut the stem and am growing new plants. These grow well under average light conditions and without CO2.

Nice little plant February 20, 2011

Reviewer: Simon Houle from Elko, NV United States     

I ordered 3 of these and only received 2. I was billed for 3. Never got a reply to the email I sent aqueriumplant.com the day I received the plants. Otherwise, those are nice looking anubias; many leaves’ dying but some new growth after 1 month under 2 watt/gallons.

            

Awesome Little Plants!             October 23, 2010

Reviewer: Iain from Mill Creek, WA United States         

True to their name, these guys are small and very compact. While I've only been in the hobby since January 2010, and while there have been some plants that I have not been able to keep alive, it has been great to watch these plants grow and grow! I struggled to figure out where to put them at first, since all my other plants tower over them, I found putting them in pieces of (freshwater aquarium safe) rock. They rooted quickly to the rock and seem to flourish in it! Although, I can't seem to keep algae from growing on the leaves... Great plant can't go wrong with this one!

  

Excellent aquarium plant!          October 22, 2010

Reviewer: Hasan Karaahmet from Istanbul, Turkey        

When you're ordering perishable aquatic plants, their ability to survive in an air-tight, dark, often too hot or too cold packaging and without a lot of nutrients for at least 2-3 days is of utmost importance. This plant came to me in nearly top condition on the 4th day, unlike the Pelia (fully dead) that I had also ordered. That alone should give you a good idea of how hardy this plant is.

It is a small, short plant that grows very slowly. I've had mine for about two months now and I'd say it's grown by only about 5-10%. No CO2, no fertilizer, low-medium light. If you have carpeting in mind, you'll need to order this in numbers.

My sample is about half an inch tall, with another 1/2 inch going into the short root system. Ecliptic shape with an avg. diameter of 1 inch. It's dark green in color, suggestive of a lot of chlorophyll and efficient photosynthesis. Leaves are small but very hardy. Most forms of algae cannot accumulate on them and most species of fish won't eat them.

If you purchased this plant you would be buying 1 rooted plant that will have 12+ leaves. Approx size is 1.5" x 1.5".

           

Aquarium Plant Easy Fast Growing, Anacharis narrow Leaf, Egeria Nanas, Substrate Vitalization

South America Egeria najas aka Anacharis narrow leaf

South America Egeria najas also known as Anacharis narrow leaf is very similar to the very popular common Anacharis (E. densa) but has narrow leaves that sprout from a more delicate thin stalk. The leaves may curl downward slightly at the ends.  These plants can be planted in the substrate plant with anchor weight or can remain floating at the surface. Anacharis narrow leaf  plant is easy to grow; grows well in low or medium light and this plant is great for South America Convict cichlids, Chocolate cichlids where you must use only low lights' on a cheap timer convict cichlid require low light environment and the lights should never be left on more than 7 hours.

Just like Common Anacharis it makes an ideal aquatic plant for beginners as it is one of the easier plants to keep. It is a terrific oxygenating plant and will do wonders for the inhabitants of your aquarium by adding oxygen and by using up excess nitrates that could harm your inhabitants.

Hardiness:  Easy

Light Needs: Low to Medium

Plant Structure: Stem

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Genus: Egeria

Region: South America

Growth rate: Very fast

You are buying 1 bunch, approx. 6 stems, Plant weight included with all bunched plants.

Anacharis Narrow Leaf (Egeria najas)

                       

Description: Narow Leaf Anacharis                  

Common Name: Narow Leaf Anacharis

Family Name: Hydrocharitacea

Native To: South America

Lighting: Low Light to Medium

pH: 7.0

Growth Demands: Easy

Growth Form: Stem

Growth Rate: Fast

True Aquatic: Yes

Placement in Tank: Background

Available As: Bunch

Egeria najas is a good plant for beginners, and its rapid growth helps create a balance in the aquarium from the start. It can also help prevent algae because it absorbs a great number of nutrients from the water. The plant secretes antibiotic substances which can help prevent blue-green algae (a type of bacteria). The growth rate depends largely on the amount of light and nutrition available. Growth does not stop in unfavorable conditions, but the plant turns light in color and the tendrils grow thin.

www.AquariumPlants.com own: SUBSTRATE VITALIZATION                    

         

Accessories for this product...

Lead Weights (not pure) Plant Anchors (quantity of 10) or add Professional Plant Anchors 

REVIEWS of  Anacharis narrow Leaf, Egeria Nanas,          

Generous bunch, very healthy    June 22, 2011

Reviewer: Arlen from Canada    

I received a very nice, fat bunch, which was very healthy and vigorous. A nice addition to the tank. Thanks!!

Clean, great shape        October 7, 2010

Reviewer: Liz from ID, USA      

I ordered and received 5 generous bunches; each about 8 inches long.  The nicest specimens I've seen.

           

Uhhhh-mazing!             March 13, 2010

Reviewer: Kenzie from Yakima, WA United States        

I ordered 3 of these for my 10 gallon "jungle" and love 'em! They seem to add a lot of texture to the aquarium and make it very exotic. I will defiantly be ordering from you guys again, Thanks!

           

Great Starter Plant!       February 21, 2009

Reviewer: Jan Burroughs from Le Claire, IA United States         

I am new to aqua gardening and recently ordered 4 of these plants. They arrived in great condition and within a week I could see new growth. - Awesome starter plant - thanks so much!

Aquarium Plants

Aquarium Plants - Bunched Plants

Live Plants for Cichlids-Aquarium Plants-Care-Information for Floaing Plants

Floating Plants

Floating plants do serve useful and integral purpose in the aquarium unfortunately some aquarists regard floating plants as unwanted pests. However floating plants do perform a effective principle for aquariums.  They offer shade for fish from the glare of the aquarium lights, and can provide a sanctuary for newly born young fish; if there are any Gourami in the aquarium they utilize fragments of the floating aquarium plants when building their bubble-nests.

 

In the aquarium and surface natural waters; the top of the water and surface above it is the best place for light and gas exchange. Most plants, even when rooted in the substrate, try to send their leaves and stem close to the surface to take advantage of this prime aquatic real estate. Some plants have evolved to spend their entire lives floating in the water; several have even given up their roots finding them to be unnecessary in this environment.

Floating Plants in the Aquarium are Useful

Floating plants in particular for breeding purposes and providing hiding places for fry. They can also be used to shade parts of the aquarium if needed. And they can be quite useful if you want plants in a bare bottom tank. Several floating plants are commonly found for sale for both aquariums and ponds with varying degrees of ease of growth and usefulness for the aquarium.

Azolla

Azolla is a floating fern. There are about 6 living species in the genus, though more than 25 species have been recognized in fossils. Azolla is used in ponds, (if you have Koi think about these) and can be difficult to grow in the aquarium. Low water movement, nutrient rich waters, and high lighting are recommended for their growth.

1.     Azolla caroliniana,

2.     Filiculoides,

3.     Mexicana are native to some parts of North America.

4.     A pinnnata is considered an invasive plant on the federal noxious weeds list.

5.     Many Azolla have become noxious weeds in different countries across the world.

Unlike many plants that get in to the noxious weed list, Azolla are actually quite useful. Azolla have an interesting symbiotic relationship with a blue-green algae Anabaena azollae. Because of this relationship and the nitrogen fixing ability of the blue-green algae, Azolla are used as a green fertilizer. They are also supposed to be nutritious with a high level of protein and are used for livestock and even eaten by people.

Ceratophyllum

 

Hornwort, Ceratophyllum

Hornwort is a very common feathery leaved aquarium plant that will grow well in many aquariums. Hornwort also stands up to many fish that may have tendencies to include salads in their diets.

Hornwort is unique in that it will never develop roots. You can put the plant in bunches in the back of your tank and it can look nice that way but the plant will roots just won’t ever form and if you try to place any part of hornwort under the substrate, that portion will die.

Hornwort can grow under lower and higher light levels. In lower light it will be brighter green and thinner. In higher light the plant gets bushier and can get red tints particularly in the stem. In fact hornwort is usually very easy to grow in the aquarium and pretty much anywhere else. Though a native of North America, this plant has been introduced in many parts of the world where it’s become a problematic weed.

The Ceratophyllaceae have their own family and its relationship to other plants is still undetermined. They seem to be confusing plants for botanists, the number of different species isn’t certain either. Earlier sources argued at 1 or 2, newer sources list 6 or 7; but over 30 have been described, though many of those are almost certainly the same highly variable plants.

Eichhornia crassipes

Water hyacinth is a beautiful flowering plant, originally from South America and used mainly in ponds. E. azurea is listed on the federal noxious weed list but E. crassipes is listed as a noxious weed in many states and countries. It’s one of the most problematic of the invasive weeds in the world. It can fully cover a lake or pond from shore to shore.

Water hyacinth isn’t a practical plant for most aquariums. The plant can get quite tall if it does well and it usually doesn’t inside anyway. Considering its invasiveness, possible illegality in many states, and the fact it isn’t a practical plant in most aquariums, I would not suggest using it.

Lemnaceae family

Lemnaceae family-duckweed

The duckweeds and their close relatives are some of the most well known of aquatic plants, seeming to occur just about everywhere there’s water worldwide. Often duckweeds can become a pest in the home aquarium, but they can also be useful and aquarists have used them pretty much since there has been aquariums.

The duckweed plants are all small but come in several sizes of very small. The smallest are the Wolffia. These tiny plants are the smallest known flowering plants in the world with tiny leaves 1 to 1.5 millimeters. Wolffia are sometimes called water meal because of their small size. Unlike the larger duckweeds, Wolffia don’t have roots. This is a neat plant to have in the aquarium but very hard to keep because most fish seem to think their on the menu and ypur fish will eat them

Wolffia

The most common and middle sized duckweeds are the genus Lemna which have more than a dozen species. Duckweed is usually very easy to grow in the aquarium though I have had tanks where it just didn’t want to grow; some sources indicate this can mean there are nutritional deficiencies in the water.

Duckweed can look different in different aquariums, sometimes having very long roots hanging down in the tank, in other tanks fish may nibble on the roots keeping them very short. Sometimes duckweed may drop its roots making a mess of the bottom of the tank. Some aquarists use string or other barriers at the top of the tank to try to keep duckweed roped in to a specific area. The best way to control duckweed, if you don’t have a duckweed eating fish, is to remove the excess plants by hand.

Larger duckweeds include Spirodela and Landoltia. These are similar to the Lemna. Often in the wild and sometimes in the aquarium you will end up with several different types of duckweed growing in the same place.

Limnobium

Frogbit is another plant common for ponds that can grow in the aquarium. There are two species that may be available L. laevigatum, from Central and South America and L. spongia from North America. The plants are very similar in appearance. Both look like very large duckweed but they aren’t closely related. In fact they are from the family Hydrocharitaceae and are related to such diverse looking plants as Blyxa, Najas, Elodea and Vallisneria.

 

Frogbit will need good lighting to grow in the aquarium. If it likes your tank it can grow quickly and will have to be regularly thinned. Daughter plants grow on stolons to the sides of the plants. Also remember these plants can have very long roots which in most aquariums will easily reach to the substrate where they will be happy to anchor. Remember that under these plants it will be shady. Be sure to plan where they frogbit will sit on the surface of the aquarium accordingly.

Amazon Frogbit

Pistia stratiotes

Water lettuce is another plant used often in ponds. As the common name implies this plant looks like a head of lettuce sitting on top of the water with roots hanging below. Like water hyacinth you have to consider the height of the plant out of the water when considering it for the aquarium. It would probably work better in an open tank than one with a cover. This is not an easy plant to grow in the aquarium and it needs a great deal of light.

There is some debate about whether water lettuce is a native plant in the US or not, but either way it has been here a long time, since the first recorded observation was in 1765. It has caused problems as an invasive weed in some places and is listed in some states.

Riccia

Riccia fluitans Aquatic floating

Riccia fluitans common name is crystalwortused as lawn

Riccia fluitans is a liverwort that’s been getting a lot of attention lately as a ground cover. Tied to rocks it does make an attractive lawn plant in the aquarium, but for years it’s been used as it grows naturally, floating. In the past this plant was commonly called crystalwort and is referenced in aquarium literature from at least as early as the late 1800’s. It’s a particularly useful plant in the breeding of some fish. The dense mats can hide tiny fry, much better than even other floating plants or can be used on bottom aquarium as lawn or growing over rocks.

Salvinia

Salvinia is another floating fern most often used in ponds. It is interesting in that the “roots” seen floating below the plant is actually a modified leaf. There are considered to be 10 species of Salvinia. None of them are native to the United States though they are in the country now. 4 species are on the federal noxious weed list. They are also invasive in many other countries. Salvinia will sometimes grow in an aquarium under the right conditions but considering their status I would advise against growing them at this point.

Utricularia

Bladderworts are very interesting carnivorous plants, several of which you can keep in the aquarium. There are over 200 species of bladderworts world wide living both in the water and in moist environments. These can look like several other aquatic plants with their fine feathery leaves, but unlike the similar looking plants, bladderworts have tiny bladders. These small bladders capture tiny insects and crustaceans, sometimes even very tiny fish fry, depending on the type and size of the plant.

I’ve found bladderworts to be somewhat temperamental in the aquarium. Some are not very attractive and look more like hair algae with a few very tiny bladders thrown in. These types seem to grow about as well as hair algae in the aquarium and are generally a nuisance. Other more attractive bladderworts can be somewhat temperamental, growing well for some time then deciding to fade away, popping up again several months later. In tanks with added CO2 I’ve noticed they don’t play the fading away trick. I have noticed in the tanks I’ve put the bladderworts in with additional CO2 that the leaf growth isn’t as thick as the tanks without added CO2.

Bladderworts don’t usually flower in the aquarium but if they do the small and lovely flowers grow above the water. Depending on the species the flowers can range from yellow to violet.

Moss Ball (Chladophora aegagropila)

Moss Ball (Chladophora aegagropila)

Moss Ball
 
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

• QUICK STATS

• Care Level: Easy

• Lighting: Moderate to High

• Placement: Foreground

• Water Conditions: 72-82° F, KH 3-8, pH 6.8-7.5

• Propogation: Division

• Color Form: Green

• Supplements: High Quality Aquarium Fertilizer

• Origin: Farm Raised, USA

• Family: Cladophorales

All fishes love the Moss Ball-(although not floating plant this is highly recommended) Moss ball  is a spongy velvet-like green algae ball that in the wild is found around Japan and Northern Europe. They were once thought to be extremely slow growing, but recent studies suggest that the growth can be accelerated by providing more nutrients. In its natural habitat, they are moved around by undercurrents and sink or rise in order to receive plenty of light to carry out photosynthesis.

  

The Moss Ball requires moderate to high lighting, approximately 3 watts per gallon provided by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. The temperature of the water should be between 72°-82°F, with an alkalinity of 3-8 dKH and a neutral pH.

The Moss Ball propagates by division. It starts with a division line which progresses to the splitting off of a smaller new Moss Ball.; approximate purchase size is small: 1" to 1 -3/4" compared to when they start growing.

Summery

There’s a large selection of floating plants that can be used in the aquarium for a variety of purposes. Sometimes these plants can be overlooked when deciding what to put in your tank but the floating plants have a lot to offer. Floating plants can be useful for utilitarian purposes like breeding your fish or using plants in a bare bottom tank. Some of them have very fast growth and can be used to help clean up your tank. Floating plants can bring the beauty and interest of long hanging roots to your pristinely Aquascape planted tank. And floating plants can add something uniquely unusual for the collector, like the carnivorous bladderwort. There are many more floating plant species and many more uses for them than I could possibly cover in one column, but perhaps this brief review will encourage you to try some of them in your aquarium.

Originally appeared in the June 2007 issue of

Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine

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Care of Live Home Aquarium Plants

Cichlids and Plants

Care of live home aquarium plants to add that special effect and enhance the natural setting within your aquarium, try using live plants instead of  plastic plants. The use of live plants will not only add a pleasing visual appeal. Live plants will also help maintain your tank, by adding oxygen to the water, the use of live plants helps keep your aquarium balanced and will aid in your fish health.

Home Aquarium Live Plants How To Recreate Natural Setting 

The most important factor in growing and maintaining healthy aquarium plants is the lighting used. For a well planted aquarium, it is suggested to use 2-3 watts per gallon of water. The use of fluorescent bulbs is practical and adds a nice lighting effect. Take caution when deciding to use florescent lights if your tank has a depth of 20" or more. The low growing plants, or plants with multiple leave levels will suffer from a lack of light as the florescent rays will not provide enough light.

Home Aquarium Lighting For Plants

Once you have figured out what type of lighting you will use, you must turn your attention to the hardness of the your water; water hardness is critical. The majority of aquarium plants will thrive in water that has a hardness between 4-12 dH, and between the range of 6.5-7.2 for pH.

•   Lighting

•  Water hardness

Aquarium plants must have clean and clear water to survive best in home aquarium, so proper cleaning and maintenance must be performed on regular basis for the home aquarium. Most plants will not survive if there is too much debris or waste in the water, so keeping up with cleaning is essential.

How To Establish Plant Growth In Home Aquarium

Once your plants are established in a clean, well lighted aquarium, you must care for them by making sure they receive the nutrients required for their continued healthy growth. Plants need both macro- and micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are usually found naturally in tap water and in the fish themselves. These nutrients include nitrates, sulfates and phosphates. Macro nutrients should never need to be added to the water of the tank. They exist on their own. Micro nutrients are needed in very small amounts. Copper, iron and zinc are among the micro nutrients live plants will need to survive in the aquarium.

Generally, the water and the fish in the tank will provide the nutrients and fertilizers needed for plant growth. It is rare that any supplements will need to be added. One important factor in having healthy plant life is your filtration system. Stay away from under gravel filters because they produce a steady flow of bubbles that disturb the surface.

The filter plate on under gravel filters also limit's the composition of the gravel in which the plants are rooted. All other kinds of filtration systems will work well. The only things to be concerned about are if your filter causes too much disruption to the water surface. When this happens, carbon dioxide is lost and plants will suffer. Also make sure the filter creates a current that keeps nutrients moving throughout the tank.

By having a good chemical balance in the aquarium and having an efficient filtering system, you will be sure to have healthy live plant growth. These plants will add to the beauty of the tank and will also keep your fish relaxed because it will be a natural setting for them. If you are considering adding plants for decoration within the aquarium, consider the great benefits of using live plants.