Introduction:
This is merely a guide to answer the very basics questions of plant keeping.
There are 3 main elements that aquarium plants need for photosynthesis.
• Light
• Temperature
• c02
All of these are fully dependent on each other, that is to say if there is enough of 2 of them and the 3rd is in short supply then the 1st 2 will reach a plateau way below their needs.
There is of course other requirements needed but these three are by far the most important as if the plant can’t get these resources they will not be able to use any other of the elements needed to grow.
Lighting
Types of light:
Plants need light for photosynthesis to take place. In nature that would of course be sunlight and we have to try and replicate this as much as possible.
Always make sure that the lighting you use is suitable for aquarium plants and can be in a wide variety, tungsten, fluorescent, metal halide. The spectrum of the lights can have an effect on plant growth.
Duration:
Lighting of the correct type will be of no use at all if the amount of time is
In-correct. This can be from 8-12hrs depending on the set up you have.
Substrate
Types:
There are many types of substrate that can be used. Plain gravel, coloured gravel, sand, and don’t forget a good planted tank will always benefit from a “plant substrateâ€
