Safe Plants and Decorations Safe Plants and Decorations for Your Aquarium and Aquatic for Your Aquarium and Aquatic

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Researched and Formatted by: Juanita Researched and Formatted by: Juanita HoffmanHoffman

IntroductionIntroduction

Before adding any Before adding any decoration to your aquarium decoration to your aquarium you must take several things you must take several things into consideration. First and into consideration. First and foremost is the question, “Is foremost is the question, “Is the plant or item that I want the plant or item that I want to add to this tank safe for to add to this tank safe for my fish?” Next thing to my fish?” Next thing to consider is how adding the consider is how adding the decorations will affect your decorations will affect your aquatic friends.aquatic friends.

Live Plants ~vs.~ ArtificialLive Plants ~vs.~ Artificial

Making the decision to use live plants has Making the decision to use live plants has benefits as well as some negative things benefits as well as some negative things to take into consideration.to take into consideration.In the next section you will find pros and In the next section you will find pros and cons for both live and artificial plants.cons for both live and artificial plants.As you will see there are plenty pros and As you will see there are plenty pros and cons for each option. A well planned and cons for each option. A well planned and maintained aquarium can be beautiful with maintained aquarium can be beautiful with either real or artificial plants.either real or artificial plants.

Deciding: LiveDeciding: Live

Pros:Pros:Absorbs CO2 (in daylight)Absorbs CO2 (in daylight)

Gives off O2 (in daylight)Gives off O2 (in daylight)

Absorbs toxinsAbsorbs toxins

Harbors beneficial bacteriaHarbors beneficial bacteria

Serves as food sourceServes as food source

Inhibits algae growthInhibits algae growth

Cons:Cons:Can cause O2 deficiency at nightCan cause O2 deficiency at night

Creates waste when decayedCreates waste when decayed

Can cause parasitesCan cause parasites

Not easy to cleanNot easy to clean

Requires good lightingRequires good lighting

Deciding: ArtificialDeciding: Artificial

Pros:Pros:Does not affect O2 levelsDoes not affect O2 levels

Does not create wasteDoes not create waste

Does not carry parasitesDoes not carry parasites

Easily removed and cleanedEasily removed and cleaned

Does not need special lightingDoes not need special lighting

Cons:Cons:Does not absorb CO2Does not absorb CO2

Does not give off O2Does not give off O2

Does not absorb toxinsDoes not absorb toxins

Does not carry bacteriaDoes not carry bacteria

Cannot be used as food sourceCannot be used as food source

Does not inhibit algae growthDoes not inhibit algae growth

SubstratesSubstrates

After deciding if you want to have live or After deciding if you want to have live or artificial plants you will need to decide on artificial plants you will need to decide on the type of substrate that you want to use. the type of substrate that you want to use. There are many forms of substrate There are many forms of substrate available, including gravel, sand and more. available, including gravel, sand and more. While the choice is almost entirely up to While the choice is almost entirely up to the consumer; fish safety and plant needs the consumer; fish safety and plant needs (if live plants will be used) must be taken (if live plants will be used) must be taken into consideration.into consideration.

Choosing your substrateChoosing your substrate

Aquarium substrates or gravel fulfills a few Aquarium substrates or gravel fulfills a few functions for us as aquarists. functions for us as aquarists. Gravel/sand provides living space for Gravel/sand provides living space for beneficial microbes, perhaps alkaline beneficial microbes, perhaps alkaline reserve and other chemicals for a reserve and other chemicals for a system. There may be behavioral system. There may be behavioral benefits for your livestock, anchoring for benefits for your livestock, anchoring for plants... and, it looks good too. The plants... and, it looks good too. The majority of aquarists use some form of majority of aquarists use some form of substrate in their tanks, though strictly substrate in their tanks, though strictly speaking they could leave the bottom speaking they could leave the bottom bare in most cases. Here is our bare in most cases. Here is our discussion of the discussion of the UsesUses, , PropertiesProperties, , VarietiesVarieties, and , and Application/MaintenanceApplication/Maintenance of substrates for freshwater aquariums.of substrates for freshwater aquariums.

Choosing your substrateChoosing your substrateUses: Biological, Buffering, Biomineral, Psychological, LooksUses: Biological, Buffering, Biomineral, Psychological, Looks

Bacteria Homes: Bacteria Homes: First and foremost, gravels, sands and other solid décor in First and foremost, gravels, sands and other solid décor in

aquariums function to support populations of beneficial aquariums function to support populations of beneficial bacteria. There is a definitive relationship between the bacteria. There is a definitive relationship between the microbes and macrobes (livestock) in your aquarium. The microbes and macrobes (livestock) in your aquarium. The most celebrated of these 'bio-geo-chemical cycles' is the most celebrated of these 'bio-geo-chemical cycles' is the element Nitrogen. <refer folks to that chapter on cycling>element Nitrogen. <refer folks to that chapter on cycling>

Well, where do all these bacteria 'live'? Mainly in and around the Well, where do all these bacteria 'live'? Mainly in and around the substrate, though they are found on the tank walls, decor, substrate, though they are found on the tank walls, decor, even on the inhabitants... You do need them… to provide even on the inhabitants... You do need them… to provide means to limit or remove the poisoning waste products and means to limit or remove the poisoning waste products and by-products of your livestock.by-products of your livestock.

Many/most aquarists opt for the 'gravel route' in their tanks or Many/most aquarists opt for the 'gravel route' in their tanks or filters as the least expensive, most secure method of getting filters as the least expensive, most secure method of getting rid of metabolites and providing a safety-margin for the rid of metabolites and providing a safety-margin for the eventuality of over-feeding, unnoticed death, or rapid eventuality of over-feeding, unnoticed death, or rapid increase in stocking load of their system. By having lots of increase in stocking load of their system. By having lots of space for beneficial microbe growth/metabolism space for beneficial microbe growth/metabolism bottlenecking of vital chemical and physical reactions is bottlenecking of vital chemical and physical reactions is eliminated; balance (in your favor) is preservedeliminated; balance (in your favor) is preserved ..

Buffers: pH and Alkalinity of WaterBuffers: pH and Alkalinity of Water

Metabolism and purposeful feeding results in a decrease in the system's capacity to Metabolism and purposeful feeding results in a decrease in the system's capacity to resist a drop in pH, the water "becoming acid". The fancy description for this property resist a drop in pH, the water "becoming acid". The fancy description for this property is is alkaline reservealkaline reserve; it is the system's sum-total ability to keep its pH at a certain point. ; it is the system's sum-total ability to keep its pH at a certain point. All sources of freshwater have a varying alkalinity/alkaline reserve. That is, there are All sources of freshwater have a varying alkalinity/alkaline reserve. That is, there are chemical species dissolved, and precipitated (like sand, gravel, rock) that make up chemical species dissolved, and precipitated (like sand, gravel, rock) that make up the buffering capacity (alkaline and acidic) of your water. What you want is to keep the buffering capacity (alkaline and acidic) of your water. What you want is to keep the pH the pH stablestable and somewhere within the tolerance of your particular livestock. Some and somewhere within the tolerance of your particular livestock. Some animals and plants do best in more acidic water (below 7.0 in pH) like Discus and animals and plants do best in more acidic water (below 7.0 in pH) like Discus and South American Tetras, other types of livestock appreciate harder, more alkaline South American Tetras, other types of livestock appreciate harder, more alkaline water (with a pH higher than 7.0) like the life from the Great Lakes of East Africa. The water (with a pH higher than 7.0) like the life from the Great Lakes of East Africa. The particular range of these values by species can be found in books like this one and particular range of these values by species can be found in books like this one and online sources like fishbase.org.online sources like fishbase.org.

There are several ways to provide for sufficient alkaline reserve. Good particulate There are several ways to provide for sufficient alkaline reserve. Good particulate filtration, chemical filtrants that remove organics, frequent partial water changes filtration, chemical filtrants that remove organics, frequent partial water changes which add more reserve and reduce metabolites, adding alkaline solids/solutions,... which add more reserve and reduce metabolites, adding alkaline solids/solutions,... all can and do their part in stabilizing, optimizing water quality, including preserving all can and do their part in stabilizing, optimizing water quality, including preserving alkaline (and other) reserves.alkaline (and other) reserves.

By utilizing an appropriate substrate you vastly add to the homeostasis and steady-state By utilizing an appropriate substrate you vastly add to the homeostasis and steady-state capacity of your system. This happens substantially on two fronts: Biologically, you capacity of your system. This happens substantially on two fronts: Biologically, you have so much 'life' in the system that other outside force-effects are ameliorated; and have so much 'life' in the system that other outside force-effects are ameliorated; and chemically, the gravel/sand/rock substrate dissolves, releasing chemical species that chemically, the gravel/sand/rock substrate dissolves, releasing chemical species that counter-act falling pH et alia res.. Is this a good deal? Yes.counter-act falling pH et alia res.. Is this a good deal? Yes.

Psychological Benefits:Psychological Benefits:Remember the joke, "Do fish feel"? The answer, "Sure, they feel slimy". How Remember the joke, "Do fish feel"? The answer, "Sure, they feel slimy". How

much stock do you place in the emotional awareness of 'simple creatures'? much stock do you place in the emotional awareness of 'simple creatures'? There is plenty of scientific and anecdotal evidence that aquatic organisms There is plenty of scientific and anecdotal evidence that aquatic organisms (including invertebrates) (including invertebrates) areare sentient of physical elements of their captive sentient of physical elements of their captive worlds. For my Senior Report in Ecology at San Diego State U., RMF did a worlds. For my Senior Report in Ecology at San Diego State U., RMF did a series of experiments on "Substrate Size Preference" by the crayfish series of experiments on "Substrate Size Preference" by the crayfish Procambarus clarkiiProcambarus clarkii, , thethe incredible/edible crawdad from Louisiana. incredible/edible crawdad from Louisiana. Basically, I set up three ten-gallon tanks, each with three sizes of gravel, Basically, I set up three ten-gallon tanks, each with three sizes of gravel, alternating first, second, or third in placement. I placed a alternating first, second, or third in placement. I placed a ProcambarusProcambarus, , allowed it to adjust for a while and periodically looked in, recording what allowed it to adjust for a while and periodically looked in, recording what grade it seemed to stay over. Varying light, water depth, the size and sex of grade it seemed to stay over. Varying light, water depth, the size and sex of the individuals tested showed the same result. This species of crayfish the individuals tested showed the same result. This species of crayfish displayed a statistical preference for finer gravel.displayed a statistical preference for finer gravel.

The point is hopefully made; your livestock The point is hopefully made; your livestock cancan tell if there is gravel in their tell if there is gravel in their tanks or not. Many of the species of catfishes, spiny eels, cichlids and more tanks or not. Many of the species of catfishes, spiny eels, cichlids and more that live "in" or above the bottom in the wild fare poorly without substrate in that live "in" or above the bottom in the wild fare poorly without substrate in aquaria. Would you like to continually live over a shiny, reflective "floor"?aquaria. Would you like to continually live over a shiny, reflective "floor"?

Looks: The Aesthetics of SubstratesLooks: The Aesthetics of Substrates

Several types of freshwater substrates are great appearing. Several types of freshwater substrates are great appearing. There is a wide range of size, shininess, and color to There is a wide range of size, shininess, and color to choose from. Basic choices are natural or not, the latter choose from. Basic choices are natural or not, the latter often being artificially colored then epoxy coated, and often being artificially colored then epoxy coated, and therefore chemically inert. Natural gravels encompass therefore chemically inert. Natural gravels encompass flints, silicates, dolomites/coral sand/shell materials, and flints, silicates, dolomites/coral sand/shell materials, and carbonaceous rock of various types, even crushed (and carbonaceous rock of various types, even crushed (and hopefully tumbled) glass. Other than consideration as to hopefully tumbled) glass. Other than consideration as to appearances, natural gravels can be useful adjuncts to appearances, natural gravels can be useful adjuncts to maintaining good water quality, slowly dissolving over maintaining good water quality, slowly dissolving over time.time.

Properties: Cost, Size, Shape, Grading, Surface Area, Quantity, Flow Rate, Properties: Cost, Size, Shape, Grading, Surface Area, Quantity, Flow Rate, & Composition& Composition

Cost of Acquisition:Cost of Acquisition:

"What, another expense?" "Okay, how much?" "Are you joking, for "What, another expense?" "Okay, how much?" "Are you joking, for rocks/gravel/sand?" You've come a long way from the sand-box, rocks/gravel/sand?" You've come a long way from the sand-box, distance, time and money-wise. Substrates can cost a pretty penny. distance, time and money-wise. Substrates can cost a pretty penny. Be a conscientious consumer here and check around. There is a Be a conscientious consumer here and check around. There is a wide array of what's available at different price points. Often, large wide array of what's available at different price points. Often, large quantities (even hundred pound bags) will be your best buy… and quantities (even hundred pound bags) will be your best buy… and there are other than fish store sources for gravels… Often "sand there are other than fish store sources for gravels… Often "sand and concrete" supply sources carry substrates of use for aquariums.and concrete" supply sources carry substrates of use for aquariums.

Buy the best of what you want in the function and looks departments, Buy the best of what you want in the function and looks departments, and be satisfied. This is a one-time purchase (for a couple of years) and be satisfied. This is a one-time purchase (for a couple of years) and can be used beyond its aquarium life for other interesting and can be used beyond its aquarium life for other interesting projects. Read through this section thoroughly re issues as to color, projects. Read through this section thoroughly re issues as to color, size, shape, and composition of the material you’ll be using… for the size, shape, and composition of the material you’ll be using… for the types of livestock you intend. One size/type does not "fit all".types of livestock you intend. One size/type does not "fit all".

Size of Substrate:Size of Substrate:    

Size of the individual particles is important for two main reasons; Size of the individual particles is important for two main reasons; maximizing filter bed action and for natural gravels, solubility sites. maximizing filter bed action and for natural gravels, solubility sites. You don't want something too large or small; if too little there will be You don't want something too large or small; if too little there will be compaction and too little circulation between the pieces, way big compaction and too little circulation between the pieces, way big and all the stuff you want to trap just goes through.and all the stuff you want to trap just goes through.

For the function of solubility's sake, the smaller the size, the better. For the function of solubility's sake, the smaller the size, the better. Imagine dissolving an Alka-Seltzer (tm) in one piece ("Plop") or Imagine dissolving an Alka-Seltzer (tm) in one piece ("Plop") or crushing it up first; which one would fizz faster? More surface area crushing it up first; which one would fizz faster? More surface area allows faster dissolution.allows faster dissolution.

For these practical reasons a grade of @ 1.5mm (approximately 1/16") For these practical reasons a grade of @ 1.5mm (approximately 1/16") on the smallest size, to @ 5mm (3/16") diameter for the largest is on the smallest size, to @ 5mm (3/16") diameter for the largest is what you want. For most systems, practical uses substrates of what you want. For most systems, practical uses substrates of about 1/8 " diameter are "just right"… ones that are larger call for about 1/8 " diameter are "just right"… ones that are larger call for more volume to produce the same effects, smaller diameters, less more volume to produce the same effects, smaller diameters, less volume.volume.

Shape:Shape:    

The more broadly spherical the pieces of the substrate, the The more broadly spherical the pieces of the substrate, the more consistent the flow, and therefore less channeling more consistent the flow, and therefore less channeling and packing-down. The complete reverse is found in and packing-down. The complete reverse is found in more flat offerings (like silica sand) that lay-down more flat offerings (like silica sand) that lay-down amongst each other, effectively clogging-off water amongst each other, effectively clogging-off water circulation. Our favorite mental demonstration of this circulation. Our favorite mental demonstration of this principle is the comparison of a bed of poker chips principle is the comparison of a bed of poker chips versus one of marbles. Get it? Go with the marble-versus one of marbles. Get it? Go with the marble-shapes. Sharp edged substrates can cause other shapes. Sharp edged substrates can cause other troubles with freshwater livestock, cutting into the skin of troubles with freshwater livestock, cutting into the skin of burrowing fishes, even snipping off the barbels of burrowing fishes, even snipping off the barbels of scavenging catfishes.scavenging catfishes.

Consistent Grade:Consistent Grade:

The mesh or 'number' of the granules is an The mesh or 'number' of the granules is an average number of pieces to make up a linear average number of pieces to make up a linear inch; so the larger the number/mesh the greater inch; so the larger the number/mesh the greater the size. As per the comments in the size. As per the comments in sizesize above you above you want a particular size in the tank/filter, and for want a particular size in the tank/filter, and for the size to be the size to be uniformuniform. Either buy the product . Either buy the product pre-screened or make and screen it yourself. At pre-screened or make and screen it yourself. At most, the pieces should be no more than most, the pieces should be no more than twice/half the sizes of the largest/smallest in the twice/half the sizes of the largest/smallest in the part of the system; for the channeling/packing part of the system; for the channeling/packing reasons.reasons.

Surface AreaSurface Area    

Within realistic limits ought to be maximized Within realistic limits ought to be maximized to increase solubility and space for to increase solubility and space for bacteria culture. What you want to bacteria culture. What you want to remember is that you want something remember is that you want something that's more porous than smooth. One that's more porous than smooth. One indication of a trade-off of solubility and indication of a trade-off of solubility and surface area is that the material is duller surface area is that the material is duller vs. shinier; choose the less reflective.vs. shinier; choose the less reflective.

QuantityQuantity: : 

How much is enough? Is there such a thing as too much? Depending How much is enough? Is there such a thing as too much? Depending on the size, shape of the substrate, consideration of the volume of on the size, shape of the substrate, consideration of the volume of circulation, bio-load of the system, esthetics... some writers suggest circulation, bio-load of the system, esthetics... some writers suggest from a pittance to a few inches. Most folks go with somewhere from a pittance to a few inches. Most folks go with somewhere between one and two inches above whatever filter plate or a bare between one and two inches above whatever filter plate or a bare bottom. This works out to something like ten pounds of substrate bottom. This works out to something like ten pounds of substrate per square foot of bottom. Some writers encourage sloping the per square foot of bottom. Some writers encourage sloping the gravel bed from front to back/ lower to higher… without employing gravel bed from front to back/ lower to higher… without employing submerged wood, rocks, other décor for this terracing, you’ll find "it submerged wood, rocks, other décor for this terracing, you’ll find "it all comes out level" in a while.all comes out level" in a while.

If you’re using undergravel filtration it If you’re using undergravel filtration it isis imminently important to cover imminently important to cover all the surface of the plates about equally to ensure some circulation all the surface of the plates about equally to ensure some circulation through all the filter bed. Periodic moving of decor, stirring or through all the filter bed. Periodic moving of decor, stirring or vacuuming through all areas cuts down on the mal-effects of vacuuming through all areas cuts down on the mal-effects of anaerobiosis. We’ll mention much more about this under anaerobiosis. We’ll mention much more about this under maintenancemaintenance..

Flow-Rate if Using Sub-Gravel Flow-Rate if Using Sub-Gravel Filtration: Filtration: 

As a rule of thumb about two gallons a minute per square As a rule of thumb about two gallons a minute per square foot of filter/tank surface area (2 gsfm) is about right in foot of filter/tank surface area (2 gsfm) is about right in terms of flow through the filter bed. There is no practical terms of flow through the filter bed. There is no practical upside limit, i.e. three gallons per square foot per minute upside limit, i.e. three gallons per square foot per minute would bewould be even better. For smaller systems you can get even better. For smaller systems you can get this flow rate with large airlifts outfitted with (1 mm this flow rate with large airlifts outfitted with (1 mm bubble) uniform (air)stones, or powerheads. For big to bubble) uniform (air)stones, or powerheads. For big to humongous tanks you'll want to employ a fluid-moving humongous tanks you'll want to employ a fluid-moving pump system, possibly in conjunction with an outside pump system, possibly in conjunction with an outside power filter rig. The preference here is to run the power filter rig. The preference here is to run the circulation "reverse-flow", up through the filter plates circulation "reverse-flow", up through the filter plates afterafter the water has passed through the particulate and the water has passed through the particulate and chemical filtrants of the outside filter. Reverse flow set-chemical filtrants of the outside filter. Reverse flow set-ups provide much better for removal of sediment that ups provide much better for removal of sediment that otherwise collects under filter plates.otherwise collects under filter plates.

Buffering:  For Those Who Buffering:  For Those Who Need/Want It:Need/Want It:

Your source water may be slightly to greatly alkaline to acidic. The Your source water may be slightly to greatly alkaline to acidic. The substrate could provide a needed or excess of carbonate ions to substrate could provide a needed or excess of carbonate ions to neutralize the organic acids of the livestock. You will want to test neutralize the organic acids of the livestock. You will want to test your water and perhaps pre-prepare it outside of the system in your water and perhaps pre-prepare it outside of the system in some cases… storing it for future use in a convenient container. If some cases… storing it for future use in a convenient container. If you’re fortunate to have tapwater that is "just about right" straight you’re fortunate to have tapwater that is "just about right" straight out, it might be reasonable to use a substrate that will aid your out, it might be reasonable to use a substrate that will aid your efforts in sustaining pH… one that is suitably alkaline and soluble.efforts in sustaining pH… one that is suitably alkaline and soluble.

Of the most likely substrates/gravels you're likely to find, there is a Of the most likely substrates/gravels you're likely to find, there is a direct and positive correlation with suitability, cost and carbonate direct and positive correlation with suitability, cost and carbonate solubility. Once again, you need to investigate 1) Your water source solubility. Once again, you need to investigate 1) Your water source pH and alkalinity, 2) The needs, desired range of these qualities for pH and alkalinity, 2) The needs, desired range of these qualities for your intended livestock, and 3) Formulate a plan for providing a your intended livestock, and 3) Formulate a plan for providing a stable means of supplying water quality within these values. For stable means of supplying water quality within these values. For people with either overly soft/acidic water or ones who need more people with either overly soft/acidic water or ones who need more alkalinity and higher pH there are gravels that can help elevate both alkalinity and higher pH there are gravels that can help elevate both of these.of these.

ConclusionConclusion

As you can see there are many things to As you can see there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on take into consideration when deciding on decorating your tank and this presentation decorating your tank and this presentation has only touched the very basics of it. has only touched the very basics of it. There is so much more that could and There is so much more that could and should be said, but I hope to be able to should be said, but I hope to be able to provide more information at a later date.provide more information at a later date.