One of the most important markers of water quality is dissolved oxygen. Aquatic life needs enough oxygen dissolved in water to survive, just as people do to breathe. If you ask do fish tank plants oxygenate water, the answer is yes. However, its mortal enemy is dissolved oxygen depletion. 

Why We Need Plants That Oxygenate Fish Tank

There are various naturally occurring causes of dissolved oxygen depletion. A water body's excessive algae and phytoplankton development, which is fueled by high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, is the main cause of oxygen depletion. These photosynthetic organisms carry out active photosynthesis at night, which requires oxygen for respiration.

Additionally, the breakdown process necessitates large volumes of dissolved oxygen as algae and phytoplankton perish. The effects on fish can be more severe and result in fish mortality if these blooms are dense or a die off happens abruptly.

Since temperature determines the maximum oxygen-holding capacity of water, it also has a significant impact on dissolved oxygen levels. This holding capacity decreases at 86°F or higher water temperatures.

Best Plants to Oxygenate a Fish Tank

Since aquarium water does not naturally contain as much oxygen as the air we breathe, aquariums must rely on various oxygen sources, one of which being aquatic plants. Some plants that provide oxygen for fish are the following:

Hornwort

Hornworts play a significant role in their ecosystems. They fill a special void by establishing new territories, preserving the soil, and aiding in the recycling of nutrients. They are also used as pollution indicators.

Fast-growing plants, such as hornwort, are effective at "cleaning" aquarium water because they ingest waste products from the water and utilize it to develop additional leaves. These waste products include ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates created by fish waste and extra fish food.

Eelgrass (Vallisneria)

One of the greatest submerged oxygenating plants of all is this lovely spiral-leaved Vallisneria, also known as Vallisneria spiralis. It has grassy foliage and small white blooms.

Its flowing blades quickly spread across a tank's volume and aerate the air around it. Of all submerged plants, it possesses some of the finest oxygenation capabilities. This is as a result of their broad expanse and extensive fauna.

Green Cabomba

The South American plant known as Cabomba is highly popular in aquariums because of its gorgeous leaves. Each stem may grow to be 5-8 cm broad, and it is 30-80 cm tall. Cabomba is the least demanding species, yet it still creates issues in tanks with insufficient lighting.

Cabomba enjoys aquariums with lots of lighting, and it thrives in setups with at least 3 watts per gallon of illumination. Although this plant doesn't need CO2, it will grow and look much better as a result.

Red Ludwigia

It is a rich, deep crimson hue that deepens with more light. This plant is also excellent at giving fish and other tank inhabitants oxygen. The advantages of this flora will become apparent as soon as its roots take hold in your aquarium, since it grows quickly.

Ludwigia is a hardy plant, but you need to give it lots of light and nutrients to get the vibrant colors. More red tones will be visible in the plant when the iron level is high. Although CO2 infusion is not necessary for growing this plant, it can help in its healthier development.

Anacharis

The oxygen-producing Anacharis plant has long, green stems and narrow, green leaves that grow below the water's surface. Bunches of anacharis are on sale. By competing for the same nutrients that algae require to flourish and bringing oxygen to the water, anacharis aids in the removal of algae.

For your fish and invertebrates in your aquarium, create a natural habitat. The Anacharis plant is inherently buoyant and may be utilized either floating or planted in the substrate when knotted in a bunch. This plant is popular among newbies because it only needs enough lighting and doesn't require anything else.

Plants that Oxygenate a Fish Tank are Available

It is not that hard to decide which aquatic plant produces the most oxygen you want to add in your tank. Aquatic plants such as Hornwort, Eelgrass, Green Cabomba, Red Ludwigia, and Anacharis can increase oxygen levels, but other techniques what oxygenates a fish tank, such as air stones and water pumps, are advised to maintain oxygen levels in heavily stocked fish tanks.