Collection: Live Aquarium Plants

Absolutely. Live aquarium plants are highly beneficial for creating a healthy and natural ecosystem in your fish tank. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and maintain the well-being of your aquatic life.

Oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, live aquarium plants produce oxygen during the day, which is essential for your fish and the beneficial bacteria that keep the tank clean.

Nitrate and Ammonia Control: Plants act as natural filters, consuming nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia—by-products of fish waste and uneaten food. This helps to prevent a toxic buildup and keeps your water parameters stable.

Keeping live aquarium plants thriving requires a balance of light, nutrients, and proper care. Following a simple routine can ensure a lush, vibrant aquascape.

Proper Lighting: Most aquatic plants require a consistent lighting schedule, typically 8-12 hours per day. Using a full-spectrum LED light designed for planted aquariums is ideal.

Nutrient Dosing: While fish waste provides some nutrients, supplementing with fertilisers is often necessary. Products like a quality liquid fertiliser or root tabs provide essential elements such as iron, potassium, and carbon. We recommend a regular dosing schedule to ensure your aquatic plants receive a steady supply of nutrients.

Maintenance: Regularly trim dead or decaying plant matter to prevent it from fouling the water and contributing to algae growth. Pruning also encourages bushier, healthier growth.

For beginners, several live aquarium plants are known for their hardiness and minimal care requirements. These plants can thrive in a range of conditions and are an excellent starting point for any planted aquarium.

Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus): A classic choice that doesn't need to be planted in the substrate. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks, and it thrives in low to medium light.

Anubias: Another incredibly resilient plant with thick, broad leaves. Like the Java Fern, it should not be buried in the gravel but attached to hardscape.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii: A great plant for the midground that is adaptable to various light and water conditions. It feeds mainly from its roots, making it a good candidate for nutrient-rich substrates.

No, they don't have to be. While some specialist planted aquariums can be complex, many hardy aquatic plants are very easy to keep. The key is to choose the right plants for your setup and to maintain a consistent routine.

By providing adequate light, nutrients, and a suitable substrate, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy tank without a huge amount of effort.

Yes, many aquarium plants will grow in gravel, but success depends on the plant species and the gravel type. Some plants, known as heavy root feeders, benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate specifically designed for planted tanks.

For others, a fine-to-medium grade gravel is sufficient, especially if you supplement with root tabs or liquid fertilisers. You will need to ensure the gravel isn't so coarse that it prevents roots from anchoring properly.

When looking to buy live aquarium plants, it's important to choose a reputable aquarium shop that offers healthy, high-quality stock. This ensures your plants are free from pests and diseases, and have been grown in ideal conditions.

A1 Aquarium World is a leading destination for aquarists, offering a wide selection of live aquarium plants and everything you need for a stunning aquascape. Our aqua experts have extensive knowledge and are always on hand to help you select the perfect plants for your tank.

Give our friendly team a call or visit us in-store today to discuss your vision and get the expert advice you need to bring your planted tank to life!

If your aquatic plants are turning brown, it's a sign that something is out of balance in your tank. The most common causes are nutrient deficiencies, insufficient light, or the presence of brown algae.

Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, or iron, can cause leaves to yellow or brown. Regular fertilising is crucial to prevent this.

Inadequate Lighting: Too little or too much light can stress plants. Ensure your light is on a consistent schedule and provides the correct spectrum and intensity for your plant species.

Brown Algae (Diatoms): This is a common issue in new tanks and appears as a brown, dusty layer on plant leaves and surfaces. It often indicates an excess of silicates in the water and typically resolves itself as the tank matures. Manual removal and regular water changes can help.