Aquatic Plants Care Guide

Tropical & Tranquil Aquatic Plants

How do I maintain healthy plants?

• Plants require regular maintenance; plan to tend them at least once a week, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
  • Replant and prune as necessary, and when adding aquarium plant fertilizers follow manufacturer recommendations.
  • LIQUID FERTILIZERS: Typically contain iron, potassium, and other nutrients that plants need to thrive.
  • ROOT TABS: Dissolve over time to provide a slow release of nutrients for the plant roots.
• Peaceful community fish are less likely to interfere with the live plants.
  • Many larger fish such as large cichlids may uproot plants and/or eat them.
  • Many types of algae eaters will eat plants, so avoid species known to do this.
• Some plants such as Anubias sp. and Java Fern grow on a rhizome and do best when attached to decorations like natural rocks or driftwood. It may require using thread to attach the plants to the decorations, at first, but over time the roots will connect them permanently.
  • If planting in the substrate, be careful not to completely bury the rhizome, which may cause it to rot and kill the plant.
• Other plants, like Amazon Swords, root into the substrate and may need weighed down until their roots are established.
• Stem plants like Bacopa, Ludwigia, and Rotala do not root deeply and may float until they develop a root system.

Types of Aquatic Plants by Light Level

Low Light Aquatic Plants

Medium Light Aquatic Plants

High Light Aquatic Plants

Setting Up a Planted Tank

• Glass or acrylic tank
• Hood or tank cover with light
• Thermometer
• Plant-specific substrate
• Décor
• Community fish
• Heater
• Filter

1. Choose your equipment: Select an appropriately sized tank, substrate, décor, heater, and filter. A PetSmart associate can help guide your selections.
2. Prepare your space: Place the aquarium on a flat, stable surface that can support its full weight - water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon.
3. Rinse and place décor: Rinse all substrate and decorations with tap water (never soap), then add to the tank.
4. Add water and conditioner: Fill with tap water and use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines. If your home uses a water softener, use a tap source that bypasses it.
5. Install and test equipment: Set up the heater, filter, and thermometer per manufacturer instructions. Add the hood and lighting and set lights on a 12-hour cycle using a timer for consistency.
6. Let the tank stabilize: Run the system for at least 24 hours to ensure all equipment works and the water temperature is stable.
7. Begin cycling the tank: Add a beneficial bacteria starter and introduce just a few hardy fish to start, or follow a fishless cycling process to reduce stress.
8. Monitor water quality daily: During cycling, test water regularly. Perform a water change if ammonia or nitrite is above 0 ppm or if nitrate exceeds 20 ppm. Always add water conditioner after each change.
   • Introduce Plants Safely and Prevent Pests: If you’re adding tissue culture plants (grown in sealed containers), they are generally pest-free. However, potted plants from wet displays may carry snails, scuds, planaria, or other unwanted hitchhikers. To minimize the risk of introducing pests: Dip plants in a mild hydrogen peroxide solution: mix ½ teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon of water, submerge the plants for 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly under running water.
   • For extra precaution, quarantine new plants in a separate, cycled tank for 30 days before introducing them into your main aquarium. This helps reduce the risk of introducing disease or nuisance organisms to your setup.

• Fish are sluggish, near the bottom of the tank
• Fish are at the top, breaking the water to breathe
• Fish are not eating
• Sudden behavior changes in your fish
• Water is cloudy
• Water smells funny
• Plants are “melting” or decaying

Aquatic Plant Shopping Checklist

• Aquarium sized appropriately for the plants and fish you intend to get
• Aquarium top/hood with light fixture
• Planted tank substrate & gravel vacuum
• Tank décor like driftwood or ornaments
• Live plants
• Aquarium heater and thermometer
• Aquarium filter sized for your tank
• Water testing kit or strips
• Water conditioner/dechlorinator
• Beneficial bacteria starter
• Algae cleaning pad or scraper
• Fertilizer

• Setting Up an Aquarium
• Aquarium Water Quality
• Community Fish