Basic HTML Version
23
AVAILABLE FROM
WORLD OF WATER
www.worldofwater.com
●
TetraPlant CO
2
Optimat
A simple CO
2
system which
uses an aerosol-type CO
2
canister. Nothing to activate
or plug in, making it very easy
to use.
LIQUID
FERTILISERS
Liquid fertilisers are meant to
top up any deficiencies that
may occur in the water. As
plants grow, various essential
elements may be used up like iron, and
the regular addition of a liquid fertilser
can help make up any deficiencies.
Add liquid fertilisers on either a weekly
or daily basis, and their ease of use
and proven results often mean that they
are the first tool used to aid better plant
growth in any freshwater aquarium.
Use as directed as overdosing may
cause algae. Liquid fertilisers are good
for when your plant leaves look a little
yellow. Use as part of a complete
fertilsation and lighting package for best
results.
CARBON
DIOXIDE
This is without doubt the
biggest breakthrough in plant
aquaculture over the past
few years. Carbon is one of the
basic building blocks for all life, and when
presented to plants in a way they can use,
the results can be spectacular.
To understand the benefits of carbon
dioxide we must first look at photosynthesis.
In the daytime, plants absorb carbon dioxide
(CO
2
) and produce oxygen. They use the
carbon that they have absorbed to build their
structures and to grow.
In the aquarium, CO
2
can be deficient in
the day time as filtration and aeration drive
off CO
2
– good for fish but not so good for
plants. By adding CO
2
through a diffuser,
more CO
2
is available in the water for plants
and they will not only survive, but thrive.
CO
2
can be added to the aquarium safely
by use of a fermentation kit (like the Nutrafin
system) or from a pressurised system (like
the Hydor kits). Individual CO
2
bubbles are
added to the water in a way that is safe
for the fish, and the plants repay us by
producing extra oxygen for the fish, fighting
algae and soaking up nitrate and phosphate.
●
Nutrafin
Plant Gro
Plant food
to help your
aquarium
bloom.
●
Tetra Complete Substrate
This substrate fertiliser is
designed to help you get good
plant growth.
Five
plant profiles
■
Name:
Amazon sword,
Echinodorus bleheri
Origin:
South America
Size:
45cm/18”
Water parameters:
pH 6-8,
temp 20-30°C
Lighting:
One or more
fluorescent tubes
Notes:
Amazon swords are
large plants for the midground and come in a variety of sizes and
colours. They send out long roots and need to be planted in a
nutritous substrate. Combine with algae-eating fish to keep the
large leaves free of algae.
■
Name:
Vallis,
Vallisneria
spp.
Origin:
Widespread
throughout the world
Size:
Up to 180cm long
depending on species, but
usually shorter.
Water parameters:
pH 6-8.5, temp 15-30°C
Lighting:
One or more
fluorescent tubes
Notes:
Vallis looks like
long grass and it is usually
planted at the back of the
aquarium, where the long
leaves flow in moving water.
It can get long and spread
by runner, but the additional
shade provided by the
surface leaves may help to
surpress algae underneath. Hardy and undemanding.
■
Name:
Java fern
Origin:
South-east Asia
Size:
30cm /12”
Water parameters:
pH 6-8,
temp 20-30°C
Lighting:
Suitable for low-
lighting conditions
Notes:
Java fern has a very
natural look and can be
tied to wood or rocks for
good effect. Its tough leaves
withstand even plant-eating
fish in some cases, and it grows happily in conditions that are
unsuitable for most other plants.
■
Name:
Crypts,
Cryptocoryne
spp.
Origin:
South-east Asia
Size:
10-20cm/4-8”
Water parameters:
pH 6-8, temp 20-30°C
Lighting:
One or more fluorescent tubes
Notes:
Crypts are commonly used to plant the foreground and
their compact, rosette shape and ease of growing has made them
popular. They are slow growing and appreciate substrate fertilisers.
■
Name:
Green cabomba,
Cabomba caroliniana
Origin:
America
Size:
Up to 90cm
Water parameters:
pH 6-8, temp 15-30°C
Lighting:
Two or more fluorescent tubes
Notes:
Cabomba
is a good space filler, and it’s good at hiding
equipment like heaters and filters too. It’s a fast grower in bright
light and only needs a liquid food added to the water. Egg-
scattering fish may use it for cover and for scattering their eggs
over, but don’t combine it with large, destructive fish.
Vallis
Java fern
Cryptocoryne
sp.
Amazon sword
Green cabomba
●
Multi tool
This handy
piece of kit
picks up
debris from the
aquarium and
also cuts and
plants.