How to Grow Real Plants in a Fish Tank

So you’ve bought the fish, and you’re enjoying all the peace and calm a fish tank can bring to your life. We’re right there with you. But maybe now you’re ready to take things up a notch; you’re done with the fake plants. Your fishy friends deserve the real thing! 

But how? What do they need? Don’t worry, we’ve got you, friend. By the time you’re done with this 5-minute read, you’ll be armed with the basic knowledge you need to upgrade your aquatic life with some real plants, baby! Ahem, sorry, we get excited. 

What Fish Tank Plants Need

Nutrients

Aquarium plants get some of their nutrients from your fish’s poop and organic waste, but they’ll also need some kind of fertilizer to do their best. You can do liquid fertilizer, root tabs, or *cough, cough, wink, wink* a nutrient-rich aquarium plant soil. 

Aquarium Plant Soil

While several potting soils are available on the market for planted aquariums, AquaBed is the best choice. AquaBed is a self-contained aquatic plant earth bed made up of a fiberglass screened bag that allows plant roots to penetrate the inner paper sleeve that is full of nutrient-dense soil. 

Now that we’ve basically handed you success on a silver platter let’s talk lighting. 

Fish Tank Lights

Light comes in all kinds of colors and temperatures, and it’s measured in Kelvin units. But don’t worry, we’re not going to make you dig out your science books.  All you need to remember when you go shopping for your fish tank light is to look for something close to natural daylight. A neutral white light in the 6500 to 7000k range should do just fine. 

Want more help setting up a beautiful plant-filled aquarium? Reach out to us at Aquabed!