Setting up an aquarium is a fairly simple task, but if you want to put plants in it, it takes a little more effort.
Steps
Step 1. Find a place to put the aquarium
It must be an area capable of supporting its weight. Each liter of water weighs about 1 kg, so a 40-liter aquarium with gravel and the whole set-up can even exceed 50 kg. Do not place the container in direct sunlight or place it where there is a lot of movement, as you could trip and bump into it. This could put the fish or plants in danger!
Step 2. Put a layer of about 1.5 cm of peat on the bottom of the aquarium (optional)
Step 3. Place a thick bed of natural substrate (or other fertilizer substrate) at the bottom of the container
It must be at least 2.5 cm thick.
Step 4. Next, add a 5-8cm layer of fine gravel or sand on top of the first substrate and peat
Do not use coarse gravel, as it would be difficult for plant roots to settle in the substrate.
Step 5. Place a small plate or container lid on top of the gravel and pour the water into the aquarium
Fill it only about a quarter or a third of its size. Try to keep the water temperature between 21-27 ° C. If it is too cold or too hot it upsets the plants and can even kill them.
Step 6. Gently remove the plants from the pots you bought them in
If their roots are tied up, use a toothpick to carefully pull and loosen them.
Step 7. Place the plants in the substrate
Keep in mind where the aquarium is located. Taller plants should be placed towards the bottom, while smaller ones should be in the foreground. Don't put them too close to the filter or heater, as both are harmful to plants.
Step 8. Make sure you cover all plant roots
Some can die if you cover the part that should stay out of the ground, so keep this in mind when planting them.
Step 9. Finish filling the aquarium with water, being careful not to disturb the plant roots
Again, keep the water temperature between 21-27 ° C.
Step 10. Install the filter, heater and cover the aquarium
Step 11. Boot up your Co2 system, if you are using one
Step 12. Let the plant run for at least one month before putting any fish
The container needs time to create the beneficial bacteria in the gravel and filter pad. These bacteria help stabilize the aquarium and prevent the fluctuation of ammonia and nitrates which are harmful to fish.
Advice
- Some varieties of plants for beginners are: Java moss, anubias, Cryptocoryne wendtii, Amazon sword and water wisteria.
- Do not place plants in aquariums that contain cichlids or goldfish. Both of these fish eat them. Plecostomus and snails also sometimes feed on it.
- On the other hand, if your fish eat aquarium plants, why not provide them. Goldfish and cichlids love aquarium plants. This is why they feed on it. It's their diet. Fish that eat plants are healthier and have beautiful colors.
