Do aquarium plants need special substrate?

Aquarium plants have different requirements when it comes to the substrate in which they're growing. Root feeders, such as Amazon Swords, require rich soil for their roots to thrive, whereas other plants, like rhizome plants, can attach themselves to rocks. Some kinds of plants, like Anacharis and Duckweed, sit on the water and feed directly from it.

Apiary Root Feeder Substrates. Liquid nutrient feeding at the roots is an effective way to avoid cloudy water. It requires layering, starting with 2-3 layers of aquasoil, then capped with 1 inch of sand or fine gravel. Root tabs during the first set save the hassle of adjusting tabs later.

Keep inert substrates for water column feeders. Consider vacuuming the gravel once a week to prevent debris buildup. Add liquid fertilizers, as these substrates do not contain sufficient nutrients. Root tabs should be used by heavier feeders that are planted in inert materials.

Attach epiphyte plants in the correct manner. Attach rhizomes of Anubias, Java fern, and other aquatic plants to rocks or driftwood using a suitable adhesive. You should never bury epiphyte plants. Epiphytes derive nutrients from the water using specialized root structures. They can thrive without direct contact with a substrate.

Your plants are indicating a suitability for the substrates. When plants have healthy roots in soil substrates, it is a good indicator that they are being properly nourished. If your plants appear to be melting in gravel substrates, you may need to use root tabs to support their growth. You will be able to tell by growth patterns and changes in leaf coloration.

Read the full article: Essential Aquarium Plant Care Guide