Frequently-Asked Questions When Buying Aquatic Plants

Do newly purchased aquatic plants need to go into quarantine?

Yes, quarantining newly purchased aquatic plants is typically advised before adding them to your primary aquarium. This is so that your existing fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic life are not harmed by any bugs, diseases, or hazardous substances that the plants may harbor.


Before putting the new plants to your primary tank, quarantine enables you to watch out for any indications of troubles or complications. This can lessen the likelihood that parasites or diseases will spread to your other aquatic creatures.

Aquatic plants can be quarantined by putting them in a different tank or container with clean water and keeping an eye on them for a while, usually two to four weeks.

You can keep an eye out for any signs of pests or illnesses during this time and, if necessary, treat them.

In order to protect the health and safety of your aquarium, it's always a good idea to investigate and adhere to the necessary quarantine measures. It's vital to keep in mind that some pests or diseases may not be visible to the naked eye.

Is there anything in particular that I need to consider when adding new plants?

Yes, there are a number of factors to take into account when including new plants in your aquarium:

It's crucial to select plants that get along with the fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic life you already have in your aquarium. It's vital to conduct your homework before introducing additional plants because some plants may require specific water conditions or lighting conditions that may not be suited for your aquarium.


Size and Growth: Take into account the new plants' size and pace of growth. While some may stay small and compact, other plants might develop swiftly and may need regular pruning. Make sure the plants you select are appropriate for the size of your aquarium and won't crowd out the aquatic life already there.

Different plants require varying amounts of light and nutrients to grow and thrive. Make sure the plants you are adding get the right amount of lighting and nutrients.

Placement: Take into account where you want to put the new plants in your aquarium. Certain locations, such as the substrate or close to the surface, may be preferable for some plants than others. Make careful to pick a spot where the plants can grow and thrive.

As was already said, quarantining new plants is crucial to halt the spread of pathogens or pests to your aquatic ecosystem.

You may guarantee a healthy and prosperous aquatic environment for all of your aquatic inhabitants by taking these aspects into account when introducing new plants to your aquarium.

How much fertiliser do aquatic plants need?

Aquatic plants require different amounts of fertilizer based on the type of plant, the size of the tank, and the lighting. Typically, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium are the three primary nutrients needed by aquatic plants. (K).

Aquatic plants often require the greatest nitrogen, which can be supplied from a variety of sources, including fish waste, uneaten fish food, and artificial fertilizers. Potassium and phosphorus are also necessary, but they are usually present in adequate amounts in most tanks.

Regular water testing and plant development observation are essential to determining the right fertilizer dosage for your aquatic plants.

You might need to add more fertilizer if the plants are growing slowly or displaying signs of nutritional deficit.

Additionally, it's crucial to avoid overfertilizing because this might encourage the growth of algae and other issues in the aquarium. Start with a tiny amount and increase it gradually as needed, as directed on the fertilizer container.


Overall, giving your aquatic plants the proper quantity of fertilizer is crucial to their health and growth. Regular testing and monitoring can help you figure out the amount that's ideal for your particular aquarium.

Can aquarium plants catch diseases?

Yes, just like any other living thing, aquarium plants can contract diseases. These conditions, which might include wilting, discoloration, and plant death, can be brought on by bacteria, fungus, viruses, or parasites.

Several prevalent plant ailments in aquariums include:

Black Spot: This is a fungus that affects plants and results in the development of black spots on their leaves. It is treatable with antifungal drugs.

Leaf spot: This bacterial disease results in tiny, brown or yellow patches on the plant's leaves. Antibiotics can be used to treat it.

Algae Infection: Some algae can rot or degrade aquarium plants. Antifungal drugs can be used to treat these infections.

Infection with a virus: A few viruses have been known to infect aquarium plants, resulting in stunted growth, withering, or yellowing of the leaves. Plants that are affected should be removed and killed because there is currently no cure for viral diseases.

It's crucial to quarantine new plants before introducing them to your main tank and to practice basic aquarium hygiene, which includes routinely cleaning the tank and keeping adequate water quality, to stop the spread of disease in your aquarium. To help maintain your plants healthy and disease-free, you can also utilize preventative treatments like introducing helpful bacteria or plant vitamins.