Detailed Explanation of Key Points on Aquatic Plant Cultivation Techniques and Methods

Aquatic plants are extremely useful plants. They can not only greatly enhance the ornamental value of fish, but also promote the growth and reproduction of tropical fish. Therefore, aquatic plant cultivation is very important. Different species of aquatic plants have different cultivation methods.

Basic Conditions for Aquatic Plant Cultivation

1. Basic conditions for aquatic plant cultivation: moderate lighting, carbon dioxide supplementation, sufficient fertilizer (base fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, top dressing), water flow, water temperature, water hardness, pH value, and a healthy substrate.

2. Reproduction methods of aquatic plants: There are two types, sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is completed through the process of flowering, pollination, fertilization, and seed formation (seeds). Asexual reproduction, also called vegetative reproduction, generally includes the following methods.

① Root reproduction: Some aquatic plants produce lateral buds from their roots. After the lateral buds grow, they separate from the parent plant to form new individuals.

② Stem reproduction: Plants with rhizomes can use broken branches or lateral branches to separate and form new plants; rhizomes grow from the roots and spread through the bottom sand, with each node capable of producing a new plant. Stolons are somewhat like rhizomes, but they only spread on the surface of the sand.

③ Leaf reproduction: Planting a single leaf in the bottom sand can grow into a complete aquatic plant.

Basic Equipment for Aquatic Plant Cultivation

1. Lighting equipment

① Light fixture: Fluorescent lamps are preferable, as their price is relatively low. When choosing, high-reflection light fixtures are more suitable.

② Lamp tube: When choosing, focus on the wavelength distribution suitable for aquatic plant photosynthesis, 655nm and 460nm, and do not focus only on brightness.

2. Filtration equipment: It can be divided into canister filters, internal filters, etc. The size of the filter should match the size of the tank, but top filters should not be used.

3. Heating equipment: Bottom heating is the best.

4. Substrate: Bottom sand, base fertilizer, substrate microorganisms, timer, thermometer, etc.

Preparatory Work for Aquatic Plant Cultivation

1. Selection of the fish tank: Try to avoid places exposed to sunlight when setting it up. If it is an extra-large fish tank, consider the pressure the floor can bear.

2. Planting position: When arranging an aquatic plant tank, it is best to first plan the aquatic plant aquascape before purchasing the plants, then buy the aquatic plants according to the aquascape needs, and plant them according to the designed aquascape diagram. When planning the design diagram, the selection of aquatic plant species should preferably choose those with relatively similar growing conditions, especially light requirements and water hardness, which are the most important. When selecting other decorative materials, such as driftwood, stones, etc., pay attention to whether they will affect water quality. For example, stones containing limestone will increase water hardness. Driftwood more or less contains colored substances, so it needs to be soaked in water for several days to release the color before being placed in the aquatic plant tank so that it will not affect the appearance.

3. Bottom sand: The selection of bottom sand should also follow the principle of not affecting water quality. Before setting up the tank, the bottom sand must be thoroughly washed, and substrate-specific microorganisms should be added.

Selection of Aquatic Plants

1. When purchasing aquatic plants, choose healthy submerged leaves, which are easier to plant.

2. After purchasing aquatic plants, they should first be disinfected.

3. Before planting aquatic plants, first sort and process them. If there are rotten or unhealthy stems and leaves, they must all be cut off.

4. When planting, never crush the ends of the aquatic plants or break the stems and branches.

Setting Up the Aquatic Plant Tank

1. First spread a thin layer of washed bottom sand on the bottom of the tank, then spread the base fertilizer on top, then cover it with bottom sand. The bottom sand should preferably be laid lower in the front and higher in the back, which gives a better visual effect. If bottom heating is used, the heating equipment should be set up first, then the bottom sand should be laid. The height of the substrate varies depending on the size of the fish tank, and its thickness also differs. For small fish tanks (below 75cm), the total foreground height is about 5cm, and the background height should not exceed 1/4 of the tank height; for large fish tanks (above 90cm), adjustments are made according to the height of the fish tank, the types of aquatic plants planted, and the needs of the aquascape. The total foreground height is about 8-10cm, and if large aquatic plants are planted in the background, their roots extend widely and deeply; therefore, the bottom sand thickness needs to be thicker, usually about 15-25cm (the thickness is mainly determined by the needs of the aquascape).

2. Place the decorative matching materials for the aquascape in the predetermined positions according to the design diagram, and adjust them to the most suitable positions.

3. Add 1/3 to 1/4 of the water. Do not add water too quickly, so as not to damage the substrate. (It is best to pre-aerate tap water for one day before adding it.) You can use a small saucer to hold the water so that it slowly overflows, making it less likely to damage the substrate.

4. First plant the shorter plants in the predetermined positions.

5. Then slowly add water. At this time, you can use a suction cup to fix the water pipe to the tank wall so that the water slowly flows into the tank. The water flow should not be too strong at this time. At the same time, plant gradually from short to tall according to the height of the plants, and the plant landscape is then complete.

6. If the aquatic plants being planted are very fragile, wait until the water level reaches the height of the plants before planting them, so that the aquatic plants will not be broken or damaged.

Daily Management of Aquatic Plant Cultivation

1. Lighting time setting: ① In the first week after initially setting up the tank, the lighting time is about 3-4 hours, because the aquatic plants are still adapting to the environment and do not need too much light. If the lighting time is too long, algae are likely to grow. ② In the second week after setting up the tank, the lighting time can be increased to 5-6 hours. ③ After the third week of setting up the tank, the lighting time can be gradually increased to the normal time, 8-10 hours. ④ It is best to turn the lights on and off gradually. Do not turn all the lights on at once. It is preferable to use staged switches, which is more in line with natural ecology. Aquatic plants have a sleep period, and they must never be given lighting 24 hours a day.

2. Carbon dioxide supplementation: ① Add it in coordination with the lighting time. ② Maintain the pH value at 6.4-6.8. ③ The added amount must be moderate. If too little, the aquatic plants will grow poorly; if too much, it can easily cause oxygen deficiency and death in aquatic animals.

3. Water changes: ① In the first week after initially setting up the tank, it is recommended to change 1/2 of the water every 2–3 days. ② After the second week, change the water once a week, with a water change volume of about 1/3-1/4. The new water added should preferably have undergone aeration treatment for more than 1 day, and it should be added slowly when poured into the tank.

4. Adding liquid fertilizer: ① Within the first two weeks after initially setting up the tank, do not add liquid fertilizer. (When aquatic plants are adapting to a new environment, they temporarily stop growing and do not absorb nutrients. If liquid fertilizer is added, algae are likely to grow.) ② Start adding liquid fertilizer from the third week, and at this time reduce the amount of liquid fertilizer added by half. ③ After the fourth week, add it according to the normal usage amount.

5. Introducing fish and shrimp: ① After the second week of setting up the tank, black shell shrimp and algae shrimp can be introduced to first clear algae and debris. ② After the fourth week of setting up the tank, then introduce the fish to be kept. The number introduced should not be too many. (For example, about 40 tetras for a 60cm tank.) ③ When introducing fish and shrimp, pay attention to adjusting water quality such as pH and water temperature. First put the bag into the fish tank for about 15 minutes to equalize the water temperature, then use an air tube to draw out water from the tank and slowly mix it with the original water of the fish and shrimp. After about 15 minutes to half an hour, then place the entire bag of fish and shrimp into the tank and slowly release them. ④ Please choose fish suitable for keeping in an aquatic plant tank, such as tetras, angelfish, etc. ⑤ When introducing fish, pay attention to the water capacity in the tank and the size of the fish to determine the number of fish.

6. Temperature setting: ① The optimal temperature setting for an aquatic plant tank is 22°C-23°C, but when kept together with fish, it can be adjusted between 24°C-26°C. After the temperature is set, try to keep it stable. ② When the temperature is too high in summer, a chiller or a small fan can be used for cooling. It is best to raise the light fixture higher to improve heat dissipation.

7. Pruning aquatic plants: When aquatic plants affect the overall landscape, they need to be pruned. ① Stem aquatic plants: Generally, they can be directly pruned from the top to the required height. If the aquatic plants age, cut off the upper part and plant it, and remove the aged lower part, for example: pearl grass. ② Stemless aquatic plants: Simply trim off the yellowed leaves. If the runners grow too messily, cut off the excess runners and pull up the aquatic plants.

8. Prevention and removal of algae. ① Moderate light intensity and lighting time. ② Appropriate fertilizer addition (avoid using nitrate-based chemical fertilizers). ③ Do not overfeed the fish.