| What completes the natural feel of a fish tank is | | | | especially the herbivore species that normally feed |
| its beauty and its aura? One could probably not | | | | more often than the carnivore types. The grass |
| imagine an aquarium without plants, not only for | | | | needs special monitoring, care and maintenance as |
| their aesthetic character, but more importantly, | | | | they may decay with time and that invites algae |
| for their vital role with fish. Freshwater aquarium | | | | to grow, which can be toxic to your fish. |
| grass come in many types, both rooted or | | | | Live plants are also known to be carriers of |
| floating. They serve as both food and shelter for | | | | possible pests and parasites in the tank, but for |
| the fish. From the hundreds of species of plants, | | | | the benefit of the fish and for a healthier |
| there are now dozens of types of freshwater | | | | environment, let the grass grow and live. The |
| grass popular and used in aquariums. Some people | | | | tank will still reap great nutrient benefits from the |
| prefer artificial grass or manufactured plants in | | | | grass even if your fish make a snack out of |
| plastic or silk. Many others prefer real grass which | | | | some of the blades of grass. This is something |
| is transplanted from a lake, river, pond and | | | | not to worry about with fish tanks because even |
| wetlands or even from an aquarium plantation. | | | | in their natural habitat in the wild, fish have always |
| There are advantages and disadvantages in | | | | loved real grass for the nutrition it brings, the |
| choosing either the live version or the imitation. Of | | | | benefit of protection from predators and for |
| course, nothing beats the real one that is why | | | | spawning. Aquarium grasses like Willow Moss, |
| many aquarists who master the hobby always | | | | Foxtail, Stonewort and Crystalwort are among |
| aim to get only real grass in their aquarium. | | | | the favourite plants for fish eggs, young |
| Some people prefer artificial grass or | | | | live-bearers and baby fish. |
| manufactured plants in plastic or silk. A lot of | | | | As a decor, the grass can be the centrepiece. It |
| others prefer real grass, transplanted from a lake, | | | | may also serve as a foreground or background. |
| river, pond or sea or even from an aquarium | | | | The Four-Leaf Clover usually grows up to two |
| plantation. There are advantages and | | | | inches high that it makes a pretty front grass, |
| disadvantages in choosing either the live version | | | | while the flowering Eel Grass and the Corkscrew |
| or the imitation. Of course, nothing beats real | | | | are highly recommended as background grasses. |
| grass and that is why many aquarium owners | | | | Grasses like the Salvinia and Duckweed are good |
| who love the hobby, always aim to get the real | | | | top cover while the Micro-Sword Grass makes a |
| grass for their aquariums. | | | | magnificent foreground especially when coupled |
| Artificial grass is easier to maintain than the real | | | | with a high intensity of light. Different types of |
| grass simply because it does not need light like | | | | Udwigia and Cryptocoryne are great choices |
| real plants do, and it does not decay over time | | | | regarding the instances where light can affect the |
| nor contribute to fish tank problems like ammonia | | | | shape and color of a plant. For Goldfish bowls, the |
| build up. The fake grass is not subject to change | | | | Anacharis plant is a wonderful treat. |
| in color, size and general appearance. | | | | Your fish and pets can live and breed in comfort |
| Give your new artificial grass a light bath in slightly | | | | in a pleasant and wholesome environment with |
| salty water before you put them in your | | | | grass and the grass can bring hour of blissful |
| aquarium. It functions as a major decoration in the | | | | watching for your family. |
| tank while the fish can use it as a playing field and | | | | Grass is grown from a few sources that are |
| a nice hiding place, but not as food. You will have | | | | transferable to an aquarium thru a store which |
| problems with your tank water if you use any | | | | are, from the ground on grass farms or in pots |
| imitation grasses or plants made with metal wires | | | | or floats and also can come in solo blades or in |
| or toxic elements, so beware of what the fake | | | | bunches. With artificial grass, you only have to |
| stuff is made out of. Make sure that the grass is | | | | consider the shape and color in selecting the type |
| especially manufactured for use in an aquarium | | | | that you will add. With real grass, you have to |
| and no other application. | | | | anticipate the size and appearance of the plant as |
| Real grass on the other hand requires patient | | | | it matures. |
| hands and eyes to maintain. It reacts to light, | | | | While both artificial grass and real grass have |
| water temperature and the general activity of the | | | | unique beauty, they have their pros and cons. The |
| aquarium. Real grass also reacts with live | | | | bottom-line is that it is still better to invest your |
| organisms such as the fish and other plants as | | | | money, effort and time for something that is real |
| well as the coral and rocks at the bottom of the | | | | and is capable of completing the biological function |
| tank. Your aquariums entire ecosystem benefits | | | | of your aquariums mini-ecosystem. |
| because it produces oxygen and soaks up carbon | | | | Its a sound idea to get grass for your tank for |
| dioxide which helps stabilize your fish tank. | | | | the benefit of helping create an ecosystem in |
| Being active, live grass can help break down | | | | your aquarium but also, it gives a nice thick and |
| bacteria and make the removal of waste more | | | | rich look to your fish tank which will keep eyes |
| efficient, thus chemical filtration in your fish tank | | | | locked on the scene and maybe make you a |
| becomes almost unnecessary. | | | | hero. |
| Real grass also provides organic food to fish | | | | |