INTRODUCTION TO PLANTED AQUARIUMS

Introduction to Planted Aquariums
An overview of the different styles of planted aquariums. Different types of plants you could use. Popular plants.
Many hobbyists with fish tanks are naturally drawn to having plants within their tanks. Keeping plants in your tank just seems to make common sense. But real plants or fake? As you'll read on, you'll discover that it's not as straight forward as it may first seem.

This article will first give you an overview of the different styles of planted aquariums, go over different types of plants you could use, including plastic plants, and then go over in detail the pros and cons of keeping live plants in your aquarium. We'll conclude this article with a list of popular plants for either freshwater or saltwater tanks.

Note that most of this article focuses on freshwater plants. That's because there aren't really the same type of plants for saltwater tanks. Most "plants" in saltwater tanks are limited to macro-algae. They don't provide the same look or purpose that freshwater plants do. Instead, you'll find more invertebrates in the saltwater tank taking the place of plants, such as corals and anemones. Many reef tank owners will grow algae in a refugium beneath the tank (located with the sump) which is used to feed invertebrates.
 
Overview of Different Planted Aquarium Styles
 
You may be surprised to know that freshwater aquariums with plants have been categorized into different styles of planting! At a high level, you'll find that tanks are either divided into either Dutch style or Natural style:
 
Natural style is pretty wide open. Even though the appearance may appear unplanned, often times, nothing can be further from the truth! A Natural style aquarium strives to replicate what you'd find in nature within your tank. Plants will be placed so that they appear random and without design (this doesn't mean that you're actually dropping plants into your tank without design, but it just won't look manicured when you're finished). Think "zoo exhibit."


You'd never come across a patch of water with a "Dutch style plant painting" in real life. Dutch style aquariums are the Home & Garden of all aquariums. Think, a "horticulturist's back yard." Many tanks might not even include fish or if they do, they'll appear to be an afterthought. The fish included will certainly never be bright or interesting enough as to overshadow any of the plantings! Dutch style aquariums are usually terraced so that the entire tank is full of plants, all of which are viewable from the front with the front of the tank is lower than the back. The tank may have 2-3 three "steps" of terraced substrate supporting different types of plants. Dutch style aquariums are fantasies that have come to life.

In terms of Natural style planting, you'll usually find this style with the following type tanks: open tank, community tank, and habitat tank:
 
Open Planting style tanks are those in which the top of the aquarium is left open and plants are allowed to grow out of the water. A Mangrove is a perfect example of a plant used in an Open style planting. If you go this route, make sure you don't have any jumpers!

community tank or a habitat tank is a tank where you've placed species of fish and plants that are well suited for each other. Ideally, they'd be from the same place geographically and would mimic an ecosystem found out in the wild.

Sometimes, hobbyists will use the term "Habitat tank" to mean a tank that they've limited to just one kind of fish. The planting in this style tank aren't as exciting (to the viewer at least), at least not compared to other aquarium planting styles. That's because in a community or habitat tank, what you do is place plants that would naturally occur in the wild, as they do in the wild. To the hobbyist, a community tank can be an extremely complicated, challenging, and rewarding venture.

Now that's we've talked about the different styles of fish tanks that you'd find associated with live plants, we're going to discuss the different types of plants that you can get for your tank.
 
Plants for your Tank
 
Plants used in fish aquariums are usually categorized by their "behavior." That is - will they stay rooted; are they bunches that move around in the water; or do they like to float on the top of the tank.

Be careful that you don't put common household plants into your tanks - they aren't aquatic plants and long term results won't be good.
 
Manufactured Plants for your Tank
 
There are a number of reasons why you'd want to keep real plants in your aquarium. The benefits of real plants include the following:
  • Real plants help reduce carbon dioxide levels in the tank water.
  • Real plants help reduce the nitrate level in the tank water.
  • Real plants give additional oxygen to the tank water.
  • Real plants can provide a natural source of food for fish (if the fish aren't too aggressive with their nibbling!).
  • Real plants can inhibit algae growth by releasing chemicals in the water that inhibit algae growth.
  • Real plants can serve as a "miner's canary" for your tank water. While plants have different needs from your fish from the water, plants will be the first thing to start dying off if something in the tank isn't right.


Cons Against Having Real Plants in your Tank
 
Of course, nothing comes without a price. Negative aspects of keeping real plants in your tank include:
  • Keeping real plants in your aquarium requires you to actually keep something alive in your tank besides your fish. Keeping real plants in your tank means that there is one more thing you have to nurture. They have specific needs that differ from your fish needs. You'll need to educate yourself on how to best grow plants in your tank.
  • Keeping real plants in your tank requires maintenance time. Plants will require you to trim dead or decaying parts as well as cull parts that are too numerous or prune the plant back to keep it the appropriate size for your tank.
  • Real plants will require replacement as they don't last forever (or at least not as long as manufactured plants).
  • Plants require more lighting than your fish do.
  • Real plants require CO2 reactors if you want to keep your plants at their best. If you have an expensive plant set up, you may want to consider this.
  • Plants create waste when they die which negatively affect the water quality.
  • Plants can often introduce pesky snails, unwanted fish, or even hydras who hitch a ride along from the pet store.
  • Real plants can introduce disease to either your other plants or your fish in your tank!
  • Real plants may not be able to keep up with herbivorous fishes' appetites! Nibbled plants don't usually look that great.
  • Keeping real plants in your tank may require you to limit yourself with suitable substrates. You can also try to keep the plant potted in its own substrate, buried within the more general substrate (gravel) that you keep in your tank.

Overall, it can be a tough decision for the fish aquarium hobbyist to decide whether to incorporate real plants or manufactured plants into their tanks.
 
Popular Freshwater Plants
 
If you decide that you want to dabble with real plants, here is a list of some of the most popular (read easy) plants for freshwater aquariums:
  • Java Moss – This type of plant is very low-maintenance and it grows particularly well on rocks and driftwood – this makes it ideal for planted tanks in the Natural style. Java moss tolerates all kind of lighting and it prefers a tank temperature between 70°F and 75°F.
  • Water Wisteria – This type of plant grows very quickly and it requires very little maintenance. Water wisteria produces tall, lace-like leaves and it grows best in medium lighting and temperatures between 74°F and 82°F.
  • Java Fern – These plants are incredibly versatile – they grow in low to medium light and they can be used just about anywhere in the aquarium. Java ferns produce bundles of long leaves which makes them great for background decoration.
  • Crypts – These plants are very easy to care for and they produce medium-sized pointed leaves. This type of plant does well in all levels of lighting and it is tolerant of temperatures ranging between 68°F and 86°F.
  • Lilaeopsis – This type of plant resembles grass and it only grows about 2 inches tall – this makes it great as a foreground plant. Lilaeopsis plants require medium lighting and they do well in temperatures between 74°F and 85°F.
  • Amazon Sword – This type of plant can grow very large – it produces long, sword-like leaves that grow up to 20 inches long. Amazon sword plants make great background plants and they can tolerate moderate lighting and a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F.
  • Water Sprite – Also known as Indian Fern, the Water Sprite plant is a perfect mid-ground plant but it can also be used as a floating plant. This plant does well in moderate lighting and it typically grows up to 12 inches long.
  • Hygrophila Polysperma – This type of plant is typically used as a background plant because it can grow up to two feet tall. Hygrophila prefers moderate lighting and it does best in a tank temperature range of 72°F to 82°F.
  • Anubias – This type of plant is best for the foreground of the tank because it only grows about 6 inches high. Anubias plants produce dark, oval-shaped leaves and it prefers moderate lighting with a tank temperature between 72°F and 82°F.
  • Duckweed – This type of plant floats on the surface of the tank water and does not need to be rooted in substrate. Duckweed grows very quickly and it helps to reduce the intensity of tank lighting – it also serves as a food source for fish.


Popular Saltwater Plants & Algae
 
For saltwater aquariums, the following species are commonly used. Saltwater aquariums, however, use plants fairly sparsely and favor the use of corals and invertebrates as alternative (and very interesting) forms of non-fish livestock. Historically, algae used to be classified as plants. Now, biologists separate algae from plants taxonomically.
 
For plants compatible in saltwater environments, you could try:
  • Red Mangrove plant
  • Algae is usually categorized as either being micro-algae or macro-algae. We'll focus on macro-algae (seaweed) that work well in aquariums. You could try:
  • Halimeda, also known as the Cactus algae, is one of the oldest cultured algae you'll find in a saltwater tank (its inclusion goes back to the 1960s).
  • Red Gracilaria Algae

Reasons to have plants in your tank

If you're having trouble deciding whether to use a real plant or a manufactured plant, remember that either way you go, having plants in your tank is a positive thing. Here are a few reasons that plants make sense (real or fake):
  • Plants in your tank give the aquarium a more natural habitat.
  • Plants in your tank can give your fish both physical security and help them feel better by having that physical security (even when there aren't any actual threats in the tank.) More specifically, plants in your tank will give fish:
  • Good resting places
  • Good places for new fish to hide, get acclimatized, and feel secure
  • Plants in your tank give fish spawning ground.
  • Plants in your tank also provide natural habitat for baby fish (fry). Of course, you'll want to move fry into their own tank if you want them to make it.

We hope that with the information provided in this article, you can decide for yourself whether to add real plants to your tank or not. Even if you decide to stick with manufactured plants, your options are so great today that your tank's aesthetic appeal won't suffer with the addition of "fake" plants. Good planting!

comments powered by Disqus
Freshwater Plant Article Database
Freshwater Plant Article Database
Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care.
Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a Planted Tank
Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a Planted Tank
Cultivating a thriving planted tank can be quite a challenge and if you do not follow the proper procedure, you may not be successful.

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR AQUARIUM AGAINST HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable.
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
THE BEST BARBS FOR A LARGE HOME AQUARIUM
There are many different species of barbs but some of them are better than others for the larger home aquarium.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
HOW TO SOLVE COMMON SALTWATER TANK PROBLEMS
Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Rate This Tank:

FRESHWATER AQUARIUM ARTICLES

African Cichlid Aggression - How to Reduce Aggression
African Cichlid Aggression - How to Reduce Aggression
Learn about the causes of cichlid aggression and methods for reducing it.
How to Interpret Fish Food Labels
How to Interpret Fish Food Labels
If you want to select a high-quality commercial food for your aquarium fish you should understand how to interpret a fish food label.

PLANTED TANKS

Cultivating a planted tank is different from cultivating a fish-only tank. The articles in this category will help you learn how to setup a planted tank and what you need to do to keep your plants healthy.

Diagnosing Problems with Aquarium Plants
Diagnosing Problems with Aquarium Plants
Cultivating a thriving planted tank can be a challenge -- this article will help you diagnose the most common problems.
Fish to Avoid for Planted Freshwater Tanks
Fish to Avoid for Planted Freshwater Tanks
Cultivating a freshwater planted tank is hard work and the last thing you want is to have all of that hard work destroyed by adding the wrong fish to your tank.
Tips for Rooting, Pruning, and Propagating Live Aquarium Plants
Tips for Rooting, Pruning, and Propagating Live Aquarium Plants
Live plants can completely transform the look of your aquarium.
The Top 6 Species for the Planted Tank
The Top 6 Species for the Planted Tank
Some freshwater fish will eat their way through a planted tank in a matter of hours.
Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a Planted Tank
Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up a Planted Tank
Cultivating a thriving planted tank can be quite a challenge and if you do not follow the proper procedure, you may not be successful.
Aquatic Mosses for Freshwater Tanks
Aquatic Mosses for Freshwater Tanks
If you like the idea of a planted tank but aren't ready to take on the extra work load, start off small with some aquatic mosses.
The Importance of Carbon Dioxide in Planted Tanks
The Importance of Carbon Dioxide in Planted Tanks
Maintaining a heavily planted tank may require more than special substrate -- you may also need to supplement your tank's supply of carbon dioxide.
Introduction to Planted Aquariums
Introduction to Planted Aquariums
An overview of the different styles of planted aquariums.
Freshwater Plant Article Database
Freshwater Plant Article Database
Articles on different freshwater plants and appropriate care.
Read more articles (9) Aquarium Setup (16)
What is an Unfiltered Tank and How do I Cultivate One?
What is an Unfiltered Tank and How do I Cultivate One?
An unfiltered tank is a unique challenge - you will learn the basics for how to get started in this article.
Acclimating Fish - Drip Method
Acclimating Fish - Drip Method
Learn how to properly acclimate your fish to your aquarium using the drip method.
Cultivating an Amazon Biotope Tank
Cultivating an Amazon Biotope Tank
If you are looking for a challenge, consider cultivating an Amazon biotope tank.
An Overview of Fish Bowls
An Overview of Fish Bowls
An overview of keeping fish in a fish bowl.
All About Tropical Fish Tanks
All About Tropical Fish Tanks
An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one.
Wall Mounted Fish Tanks
Wall Mounted Fish Tanks
Advantages and disadvantages to a Wall Mounted Fish Tank.
When and How to Upgrade to a Larger Tank
When and How to Upgrade to a Larger Tank
If you participate in the aquarium hobby for long enough, there may come a time when it becomes necessary to upgrade to a larger tank.
Cultivating a Healthy Discus Community Tank
Cultivating a Healthy Discus Community Tank
Discus fish are a joy to keep in the home aquarium and a discus community tank is even better!
Tips for Aquascaping a Tank for Large Freshwater Fish
Tips for Aquascaping a Tank for Large Freshwater Fish
Keeping large species of freshwater fish in a community tank can be challenging but, with proper planning, you can be successful.
Safety Tips for Freshwater Aquariums
Safety Tips for Freshwater Aquariums
Cultivating a freshwater aquarium can be an enjoyable experience but there are also a number of safety concerns to be aware of when keeping a fish tank.
How to Select the Best Location for Your Tank
How to Select the Best Location for Your Tank
Before you even begin to set up your freshwater fish tank you need to decide where to put it.
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Freshwater Fish Tank
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Freshwater Fish Tank
Before you go out and buy a freshwater tank, think about these questions so you are fully prepared.
FAQs for Novice Freshwater Hobbyists
FAQs for Novice Freshwater Hobbyists
As a beginner in the aquarium hobby you are likely to have many questions.
Moving - How to Prepare Your Tank for a Move
Moving - How to Prepare Your Tank for a Move
Moving can be a stressful process but moving your fish tank doesn't need to add to that stress.
What is a Biotope Tank?
What is a Biotope Tank?
Take your skills to the next level by starting a biotope tank.
How to Select a Tank for a Freshwater Aquarium
How to Select a Tank for a Freshwater Aquarium
If you want to have a thriving freshwater tank, you need to start by selecting the right tank.
Aquarium Lighting (5)
Choosing the Right Lighting According to Tank Size
Choosing the Right Lighting According to Tank Size
Aquarium lighting systems come in all shapes and sizes - learn how to choose the right system for the tank size you have.
Understanding the Basics of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting
Understanding the Basics of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting
Selecting a lighting system for your aquarium can be a difficult task.
Types of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting
Types of Freshwater Aquarium Lighting
Choosing the right lighting system for your freshwater tank is a very important decision.
Understanding the Lighting Spectrum
Understanding the Lighting Spectrum
The key to finding the perfect lighting for your freshwater aquarium is to understand the basics of the lighting spectrum.
Finding the Right Balance with Aquarium Lighting
Finding the Right Balance with Aquarium Lighting
Installing the proper aquarium lighting system is essential in maintaining a thriving tank environment.
Heating and Filtration (6)
Properly Aerating Your Aquarium
Properly Aerating Your Aquarium
Learn the basics of aeration and how to properly aerate your aquarium.
Using Carbon in a Freshwater Aquarium
Using Carbon in a Freshwater Aquarium
Learn about the differing points of view and guidelines on using carbon in your aquarium.
Common Problems with Tank Filters
Common Problems with Tank Filters
Having adequate filtration is the key to maintaining a healthy freshwater aquarium.
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium
Choosing the Right Filtration System for Your Aquarium
Learn about the different types of filters for your freshwater aquarium.
How to Make Your Own Sponge Filter
How to Make Your Own Sponge Filter
Sponge filters are a great option for hospital and fry tanks but they can also be used as a source of supplemental filtration for community tanks.
Overview of Filter Media Types
Overview of Filter Media Types
Proper filtration is the key to keeping your freshwater aquarium healthy.
Nutrition and Feeding (6)
Constipation/Indigestion in Aquarium Fish
Constipation/Indigestion in Aquarium Fish
You may not realize that your fish can suffer from constipation.
How to Culture Infusoria for Baby Fish
How to Culture Infusoria for Baby Fish
To raise baby fish successfully you will need to use the right food.
Will Algae Wafers Make my Tank Water Cloudy?
Will Algae Wafers Make my Tank Water Cloudy?
If plan to keep bottom feeders or algae eaters in your tank you may need to supplement their diet with algae wafers.
The Pros and Cons of Live Food for Fish
The Pros and Cons of Live Food for Fish
The type of food you choose to feed your aquarium fish will have a major impact on their health.
The Top Commercial Foods for Freshwater Fish
The Top Commercial Foods for Freshwater Fish
The food you feed your freshwater fish will determine their health and vitality.
The Nutritional Needs of Freshwater Fish
The Nutritional Needs of Freshwater Fish
The key to keeping your aquarium fish healthy is to offer them a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Freshwater Fish Diseases (8)
Identifying and Treating the Most Common Cichlid Diseases
Identifying and Treating the Most Common Cichlid Diseases
Cichlids are one of the largest families of freshwater fishes and they are prone to developing several aquarium fish diseases.
What is Dropsy and How Do I Treat it?
What is Dropsy and How Do I Treat it?
When cultivating an aquarium, you are likely to run into a variety of freshwater aquarium fish diseases and conditions including dropsy.
Behavioral Changes and Problems in Aquarium Fish
Behavioral Changes and Problems in Aquarium Fish
Unexpected behavioral changes are often a symptom of disease in aquarium fish.
How to Set Up A Hospital Tank
How to Set Up A Hospital Tank
No matter how careful you are, your fish are likely to get sick at some point during your time as an aquarium hobbyist.
Improving Color in Aquarium Fish
Improving Color in Aquarium Fish
The best part of keeping a freshwater aquarium is watching your tank inhabitants thrive and grow.
Addressing the Shimmies in Live Bearers
Addressing the Shimmies in Live Bearers
Dealing with aquarium fish disease is a fact of life in the aquarium hobby.
How to Deal with the Top Betta Fish Diseases
How to Deal with the Top Betta Fish Diseases
Betta fish are some of the most colorful and vibrant freshwater aquarium fish around.
Common Freshwater Tropical Fish Diseases
Common Freshwater Tropical Fish Diseases
Learn about common fish illnesses and how to effectively treat them.
Aquarium Maintenance (18)
What to do About Aquarium Snail Infestations
What to do About Aquarium Snail Infestations
Though they may look harmless, one aquarium snail can quickly turn into dozens or even hundreds.
Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium
Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium
Learn how about pH and how to properly maintain it in a freshwater aquarium.
How to Make Your Own Tank Divider
How to Make Your Own Tank Divider
There may come a time during your career as an aquarium hobbyist that you need to divide your tank.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Tank Filter
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Tank Filter
Your tank filter is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you have, so be sure to keep it clean as part of your routine maintenance schedule.
Cleaning Algae off Tank Glass Properly
Cleaning Algae off Tank Glass Properly
Algae is a fact of life in the freshwater tank.
Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium
Water Testing in Your Freshwater Aquarium
How to test your aquarium's water, and what to look for.
Preparing an Aquarium for Your Vacation
Preparing an Aquarium for Your Vacation
Learn how to prepare your aquarium for your upcoming on vacation.
Can a Routine Water Change Kill Your Fish?
Can a Routine Water Change Kill Your Fish?
We've all seen it - fish die unexpectedly after a water change.
Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable.
Freshwater Fishless Cycling
Freshwater Fishless Cycling
Learn about new methods for cycling your freshwater aquarium without fish.
How to Fix Cloudy Tank Water
How to Fix Cloudy Tank Water
Cloudy tank water is a common problem in the freshwater aquarium.
The Process of Cycling a Fish Tank
The Process of Cycling a Fish Tank
What is "cycling" your fish tank?
Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium
Choosing and Conditioning the Water in Your Aquarium
Learn about how to properly choose and condition the water you use in your freshwater aquarium.
Controlling Algae Growth
Controlling Algae Growth
Algae growth is an incredibly common problem with freshwater tanks.
Fish Tank Maintenance and Cleaning
Fish Tank Maintenance and Cleaning
In order to keep your tank clean and healthy for your fish, you will need to perform some basic daily and weekly maintenance tasks.
Using a Gravel Vacuum in the Home Aquarium
Using a Gravel Vacuum in the Home Aquarium
Cleaning your tank is one of the most important parts of home aquarium maintenance.
Aquarium Water Test Kits
Aquarium Water Test Kits
The key to keeping your aquarium fish happy and healthy is to maintain high water quality.
Summer Precautions for Freshwater Tanks - Keeping Your Tank from Overheating
Summer Precautions for Freshwater Tanks - Keeping Your Tank from Overheating
Keeping the temperature in your tank is extremely important for the health of your fish but it can be a challenge during the hot summer months.
Aquarium Decorations (5)
Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium
Adding Rocks and Wood to Your Freshwater Aquarium
Adding wood and rocks to your aquarium can enhance its appearance and make it a better environment for your fish -- learn how in this article.
Choosing a Freshwater Aquarium Substrate
Choosing a Freshwater Aquarium Substrate
Learn about the factors you should consider when choosing a substrate for your freshwater aquarium.
Selecting a Background for your Freshwater Tank
Selecting a Background for your Freshwater Tank
The way you decorate your tank makes a big difference in its appearance.
Aquarium Decorations
Aquarium Decorations
Types of decorations.
Using Driftwood and Live Plants in the Freshwater Tank
Using Driftwood and Live Plants in the Freshwater Tank
One of the most attractive ways you can decorate an aquarium involves a combination of driftwood and live plants.
Stocking the Tank (47)
Everything You Need to Know About Freshwater Angelfish
Everything You Need to Know About Freshwater Angelfish
Angelfish are a species of freshwater cichlid and they are one of the most popular species of tropical aquarium fish.
What Are the Best Cichlids for a Community Tank?
What Are the Best Cichlids for a Community Tank?
Cichlids are some of the most beautiful fish in the world, but they can also be the most aggressive.
Choosing the Right Algae-Eater by the Type of Algae in Your Tank
Choosing the Right Algae-Eater by the Type of Algae in Your Tank
There are many different types of aquarium algae and not all algae eaters will eat every type.
The Ideal Tank Setup for Oscars
The Ideal Tank Setup for Oscars
Oscars are a type of cichlid and they are a very amusing species of freshwater fish to keep in the home aquarium.
The Top 6 Freshwater Goby Species for Your Tank
The Top 6 Freshwater Goby Species for Your Tank
Most of the gobies kept in the home aquarium are saltwater fish but there are still a few freshwater gobies that make excellent additions to the home tank.
Larger Tetras for the Community Tank
Larger Tetras for the Community Tank
Many tetras are known for their small size and peaceful nature, but there are some larger tetras that can be a good choice for the community tank.
The Top Choices for Stocking a 10-Gallon Tank
The Top Choices for Stocking a 10-Gallon Tank
Maintaining a thriving 10-gallon tank can be a challenge but it will help if you are careful about how you stock it.
Everything You Need to Know About Nerite Snails
Everything You Need to Know About Nerite Snails
Looking for an addition to your freshwater cleanup crew?
The Top 10 Worst Community Fish
The Top 10 Worst Community Fish
If you are interested in cultivating a peaceful tank full of multiple species, don't choose these fish.
South American Cichlid Species for Beginners
South American Cichlid Species for Beginners
Cichlids are not for everyone, however, and certain species can be quite challenging to keep.
The 15 Most Popular Types of Goldfish
The 15 Most Popular Types of Goldfish
Popular as prizes at carnivals and state fairs, goldfish are known for their orange-gold coloration, but they actually come in many colors and patterns.
Compatible Tank Mates for Freshwater Angels
Compatible Tank Mates for Freshwater Angels
Angelfish are one of the most popular species of freshwater aquarium fish.
The Top 5 Shrimp for the Freshwater Aquarium
The Top 5 Shrimp for the Freshwater Aquarium
Freshwater shrimp make an excellent addition to your cleanup crew - keep reading to learn more about the top 5 species!
Jewel Cichlid Species Profile
Jewel Cichlid Species Profile
Jewel Cichlids are a group of brightly colored cichlids from Africa.
Cultivating a Tank for Red Bellied Pacus
Cultivating a Tank for Red Bellied Pacus
The red bellied pacu is a unique and beautiful aquarium fish.
Corydoras Catfish: Community-Friendly Bottom Feeders
Corydoras Catfish: Community-Friendly Bottom Feeders
If you are looking for the perfect fish to add to your community tank, consider corydoras catfish.
Species Spotlight: Keeping Freshwater Crayfish at Home
Species Spotlight: Keeping Freshwater Crayfish at Home
Crayfish can make a unique addition to your freshwater aquarium.
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
There are many different species of barbs but some of them are better than others for the larger home aquarium.
Keeping Dwarf Gouramis in the Freshwater Tank
Keeping Dwarf Gouramis in the Freshwater Tank
The dwarf gourami is a small but brightly colored freshwater fish that makes an excellent addition to the community tank.
Stocking Fresh Water Fish Tanks
Stocking Fresh Water Fish Tanks
Learn how to select the right quantity and combination of fish for your freshwater aquarium.
The Most Popular Catfish for Freshwater Tanks
The Most Popular Catfish for Freshwater Tanks
Catfish are an extremely diverse group of fishes and many of them fare well in the home aquarium.
Caring for the Plecostomus in the Freshwater Tank
Caring for the Plecostomus in the Freshwater Tank
The plecostomus is one of the most popular species of algae eater for the freshwater tank.
Algae Eaters for Freshwater Tanks
Algae Eaters for Freshwater Tanks
Are you looking for an easy way to help control algae in your tank?
Common Myths About Bettas
Common Myths About Bettas
Discover five common myths about the beautiful betta freshwater fish.
Care Guide for Keeping Brackish and Freshwater Puffers
Care Guide for Keeping Brackish and Freshwater Puffers
The name "puffer fish" conjures an image of a balloon-like animal but these fish are so much more than their comical appearance.
The Natural Environments of African and South American Cichlids
The Natural Environments of African and South American Cichlids
Learn about and how to recreate the natural environments of African and South American Cichlids
Tips for Keeping Shoaling Species in the Aquarium
Tips for Keeping Shoaling Species in the Aquarium
Nothing makes an aquarium stand out like a large shoal of colorful fish.
 Species Profile: Blind Cave Tetra
Species Profile: Blind Cave Tetra
The blind cave tetra is unique among freshwater aquarium fish.
Stocking Your Tank with Schooling Fish
Stocking Your Tank with Schooling Fish
Adding a school of colorful fish to your tank can take it from drab to fab -- read on to learn more about schooling species.
Spotlight on the Apple Snail
Spotlight on the Apple Snail
Also known as the mystery snail, apple snails are a popular addition to the freshwater tank.
What Every Aquarium Hobbyist Should Know About Livebearers
What Every Aquarium Hobbyist Should Know About Livebearers
If you're looking for some low-maintenance fish to add to your freshwater tank, consider some livebearers.
The Top 10 Worst Tank Busters
The Top 10 Worst Tank Busters
Find out which fish will rapidly outgrow your tank, and the smaller alternatives that are available.
Show Tank-Worthy Tankmates for Fancy Guppies
Show Tank-Worthy Tankmates for Fancy Guppies
Everyone knows that guppies are some of the most colorful freshwater fish while also being some of the easiest to care for.
Spotlight on the Otocinclus Catfish
Spotlight on the Otocinclus Catfish
Also known as oto cats, otocinclus catfish are some of the smallest aquarium fish out there and also some of the best algae eaters.
Choosing the Right Barbs for Your Tank
Choosing the Right Barbs for Your Tank
Barbs are incredibly popular among freshwater aquarium hobbyists and there are a number of species to choose from.
Types of Freshwater Aquarium Snails
Types of Freshwater Aquarium Snails
When it comes to snails in the freshwater aquarium, not all of them are bad.
The Basics of Freshwater Fish Compatibility
The Basics of Freshwater Fish Compatibility
Whether you are new to the aquarium hobby or not, there are a few things you should know about freshwater fish compatibility.
Can You Keep Other Fish With Your Betta?
Can You Keep Other Fish With Your Betta?
The betta fish is an incredibly popular species that has a reputation for being aggressive.
Tips for Stocking Your Aquarium by Color
Tips for Stocking Your Aquarium by Color
If you want a thriving, brightly colored aquarium then consider picking your freshwater fish by color.
Species Spotlight: Archerfish
Species Spotlight: Archerfish
Looking for a unique species to add to your tank?
Keeping Goldfish
Keeping Goldfish
In this article you will find information about keeping goldfish as pets and how to prepare for your own goldfish tank.
Cichlids - Understanding the Different Types
Cichlids - Understanding the Different Types
Have you ever considered adding a cichlid or two to your freshwater tank?
Species Spotlight: Keeping Arowanas in the Freshwater Tank
Species Spotlight: Keeping Arowanas in the Freshwater Tank
The Arowana is a very large but graceful fish that makes a very interesting freshwater tank inhabitant.
Spotlight on the Wolf Cichlid
Spotlight on the Wolf Cichlid
The wolf cichlid is a large, aggressive species but makes a perfect option for a show tank.
What Are Good Freshwater Fish For Beginners
What Are Good Freshwater Fish For Beginners
What makes a freshwater fish a good candidate for beginners?
Top Freshwater Aquarium Bullies
Top Freshwater Aquarium Bullies
Some species of freshwater fish are simply more aggressive than others.
Freshwater Fish Article Database
Freshwater Fish Article Database
Articles on dozens of different freshwater fish and appropriate care.
Breeding (11)
Caring for Freshwater Angelfish Eggs
Caring for Freshwater Angelfish Eggs
Breeding freshwater angelfish can be a rewarding experience but raising the eggs to maturity may be a challenge.
How to Raise Cichlid Fry to Maturity
How to Raise Cichlid Fry to Maturity
Breeding freshwater aquarium fish can be a rewarding but challenging experience.
Breeding Mouth Brooding African Cichlids
Breeding Mouth Brooding African Cichlids
Learn how to succesfully breed mouth brooding African Cichlids.
Tips for Breeding Gouramis in the Home Aquarium
Tips for Breeding Gouramis in the Home Aquarium
Gouramis are some of the best community fish around because they are peaceful, hardy, and lovely to boot.
The Top 5 Tetras for Breeding in the Home Aquarium
The Top 5 Tetras for Breeding in the Home Aquarium
Breeding aquarium fish can be tricky, but with the right tank setup and preparation it can be done.
Tips for Breeding Silver Dollar Fish
Tips for Breeding Silver Dollar Fish
Silver dollar fish are a great addition to the community tank and breeding them can be a fun challenge.
Tips for Breeding Discus Fish
Tips for Breeding Discus Fish
Discus fish are one of the most colorful species of freshwater aquarium fish and they can be a joy to breed.
The Basics of Breeding Bala Sharks
The Basics of Breeding Bala Sharks
Bala sharks are a very popular species of aquarium fish.
Breeding Freshwater Fish
Breeding Freshwater Fish
Learn how to succesfully breed freshwater fish.
Breeding and Rearing Live-bearing Species of Fish
Breeding and Rearing Live-bearing Species of Fish
Live-bearing species of fish like guppies and swordtails are notorious for breeding in the community tank.
Breeding the Two Kinds of Betta Fish
Breeding the Two Kinds of Betta Fish
You may be aware that there are over 30 species of betta fish in existence but did you know that these species can be divided by their breeding habits?

READ AQUARIUM ARTICLES