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When planning your killi tank(s) then you also can include plants in your
thoughts. Plants are not necessary in a killi tank but I always use them.
It gives the fish some shelter and shadow from the light and also provides
good hiding places for the fry if breeding in long term. Furthermore I
think that plants are beautiful and takes away the quite clinic look of
a bare tank.
If you
want plants you have to agree with yourself if you want to use gravel
or not. Many killi keepers do not use gravel in their killi tanks for
many reasons. When feeding it is much easier to see what goes to the bottom
in a bare tank and easier clean old uneaten food. It is also easier to
handle eggs as they are not laid in the gravel. But also gravel has some
qualities that can be mentioned. It is (in my opinion) much more pretty
and it helps natural organic break down of the debris.
If you
choose to have gravel - you can choose between all plants which can live
in your light and water conditions. There are not many cautions to take.
Small leaved plants are in my opinion the best for killies.
If you
have no gravel the plants have to be selected more carefully as not all
plants can live without having the roots in gravel. But actually there
are a quite big range of plants to choose from. Many killies have low
light needs and following I always go for plants having same requirements.
Some of the more easy "killi plants" are:
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Anubias
barteri var. nana
Anubias
barteri var. nana is a small, attractive plant which thrives in
all conditions. It grows slowly, and the leaves survive for several
years, giving slow-growing algae the chance to become established.
The best result is achieved by planting on a stone or tree root.
Fishing line can be used to attach the plant until it gains a hold.
If planted on the bottom the rhizome must not be covered because
it tends to rot. It flowers frequently under water. It is not eaten
by herbivorous fish.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Bolbitis
heudelotii (Java Fern)
A water
fern with very beautiful transparent green leaves. When planting
do not cover the rhizome because it will rot, and it is best to
plant Bolbitis heudelotii on a root or stone. Keep the plant in
position with fishing line until it has gained a hold. Easy to propagate
by splitting the horizontal rhizome. Growth can be increased considerably
by supplying CO2, and is only optimal in soft, slightly acidic water.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Ceratophyllum
demersum
Ceratophyllum
demersum is a genuine cosmopolitan found all over the globe. It
has no true roots but can be planted in the bottom. In the wild
it is often found rooted, with the lower leaves forming anchors.
As a floating plant it provides a good hiding-place for young fish.
C. demersum can be useful in combating algae because it consumes
nutrients in the water and secretes substances that counteract algae.
Some varieties are difficult to transport.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Ceratopteris
cornuta
Ceratopteris
cornuta is suitable as a floating or underwater plant. If a leaf
is allowed to float on the surface, small plants form on the leaf
margin and can be planted in the bottom. In good light C. cornuta
grows fast and helps prevent algae by consuming large amounts of
nutrients. This makes it a good starter plant in large aquariums.
The roots of the floating plant provide good protection for young
fish. The plant used to be called (mistakenly) Ceratopterris thalictroides
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Egeria
densa
Egeria
densa is a good plant for beginners, and its rapid growth helps
create a balance in the aquarium from the start. It can also help
prevent algae because it absorbs a great number of nutrients from
the water. The plant secretes antibiotic substances which can help
prevent blue-green algae (a type of bacteria). The growth rate depends
largely on the amount of light and nutrition available. Growth does
not stop in unfavorable conditions, but the plant turns light in
color and the tendrils grow thin.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Riccia
fluitans
Japanese
Takashi Amano has inspired many aquarium owners to keep Riccia fluitans
submerged. It can be kept down by tying it to a stone with a piece
of fishing line, but new shoots always grow towards the surface,
so it may be necessary to prune it with scissors. Under water R.
fluitans thrives best with added CO2 and in good growing conditions
small oxygen bubbles form on the leaf tips. As a traditional floating
plant offers good protection for young fish.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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Vesicularia
dubyana (Java Moss)
Java
moss is the common name for Vesicularia dubyana, a hardy plant which
makes few demands on the water or light. Java moss grows willingly
on any surface, so it is ideal for decorating stones and tree roots
or concealing installations in the aquarium. Attach the plant with
a piece of fishing line until it has gained a hold on the bottom.
If its growth becomes too luxuriant, it can be pruned with scissors.
In breeding aquariums Java moss is a wonderful hiding place for
the young fish.
Source:
Tropica Aquarium Plants - www.tropica.dk |
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