Planted vs. fish only tanks
The main difference between planted and fish only tanks,
obviously, is the inclusion of live plants. Planting choices can range
from a few live plants as accents to the aquascape to a densely planted Dutch
style aquarium.
Planting an aquarium may require equipment changes. Most standard aquarium
lights don't provide enough light for plants to do well. I'm partial to
around 2.4 wpg, but anything between 2 and 3 wpg is excellent. CO2 gives
planted tanks a boost and is necessary at high light levels.
With a planted aquarium, there a limits on species of fish that can occupy the
tank as many will eat or uproot plants. It is common for the emphasis to
be on the plants rather than the fish.
Why I keep planted tanks
I've kept aquariums since I was 10 years old and became
seriously interested in planted tanks in my early 30's. I love the way the
aquarium changes as plants grow and fill in. To me the fish are accents,
like birds and butterflies in the garden.
I've been going through a collectoritis stage the last few years. Advances
in lighting have let me try plants I couldn't grow before with lower light.
I'm getting ready to shift back into my favorite mode -- creating little
slices of living art.
Special Requirements
The successfully maintain a planted aquarium, you will need more
light than is standard with most aquariums. While opinions vary, I feel
that between 2 and 3 watts per gallon (wpg) is best (around 2.4 is ideal in my
book). At less than 2 wpg plant choices are limited and growth rates can
be frustrating. Beautiful low-light tanks exist, but do require careful
planning. At higher light levels, supplemental CO2 becomes a necessity (to
prevent algae) rather than a luxury that gives plants a boost.
At higher light levels, a densely planted tank will use up nutrients faster than
the fish can provide them. You may need to add supplemental
fertilizers. Depending on your water supply and frequency of water changes
you may also need to add trace elements.
At higher light levels, CO2 is needed to help plants outcompete algae. At
modest, and even low, light levels CO2 gives plants a boost allowing for lusher,
faster growth and fewer algae problems. With modest light levels, I find
DIY CO2 to work well.
Learning More
As a teacher, I love books. Peter Hisock has several books
that are excellent for a planted tank hobbiest. I have 3 of his books and
the content is similar, but the depth of detail and emphasis vary by book.
I'm listing some of my favorite planted web sites below. The forum
communities represent a huge amount of accumulated experience and are an
invaluable source of information. Just always remember there is more than
one right way to manage a successful aquarium.
Favorite Planted Tank Links
 | |
| |
| |
|