Sera Floreground Can be used when setting up a new aquarium or when changing an existing one. It can be used as a substrate or installed under the gravel. It provides support to the roots, favoring the development of the plants.

Plants for basic aquarium care Depending on our aquarium we can choose from a wide variety of types of plants, this will also influence its decoration. Since it is a fundamental element of decoration.

They not only fulfill a decorative function, but also serve as a hiding place for fish and a refuge for females that flee from the constant harassment of males.

a good substrate and enough light The first step to a successful planted aquarium is choosing a good substrate . Some plants only use the soil to anchor their roots and take their nutrients mainly from water, but there are others that rely more on substances found in the soil to grow and survive. You should look for a good quality substrate , with a good supply of iron for the plants; It may not be the cheapest, but over time it will be an excellent investment. The grain must be fine so that the roots can grow and so that you can fertilize it. On top, place a more attractive layer of gravel for the aquarium or sand so that the soil does not come into contact with the water, since it makes it dirty and also favors the growth of algae. Another important issue is the depth of the fertile substrate plus gravel, which should not be less than 8 cm. Now we have to find the right light and healthy plants. Following an easy rule to calculate watts for all types of plants with moderate light requirements: 5 to 6 watts per 10 liters. For plants that need more light, you should install two fluorescent tubes; even better if they have the appropriate color temperature. If you use less light than indicated, you will only achieve algae growth. If space to install lights is a problem, you can turn to compact fluorescents that take up much less space than tubes. Use the combinations that are necessary to achieve enough watts for your plants. Keep in mind that the higher the intensity of each lamp, the better the results (for example, the plants will grow better with a 30W lamp than with two 15W lamps). Use these tips as a starting point, and then make whatever changes your tank needs to keep the plants growing vigorously. Aquarium plants will need a large amount of nutrients to take advantage of favorable conditions. If they lack any micronutrient, the leaves will start to turn yellow, growth will stop, the stems will become tall and thin, etc. The challenge here is to strike a balance between lighting and nutrient input without an algae invasion. If the plants are weakened, the algae will thrive. The topic of fertilization is complex and requires a separate article. To start, use a liquid fertilizer with NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. If you add too much fertilizer you can kill the fish and also more algae will grow. For plants that absorb nutrients from the soil, choose fertilizers in the form of sticks or cones that are buried in the substrate.