How do aquarium plants benefit fish health?
Written by
Kailani Okoro
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Live aquarium plants offer numerous benefits to fish health. They give off oxygen while alive through photosynthesis, which the fish require for respiration. They absorb noxious nitrates and ammonia from the water. They provide the necessary shelter for the fish, thereby reducing their internal stress. All these factors together contribute to making water healthier.
Plants are nature's water purifiers; they absorb, through assimilation, nitrogenous compounds from the water that are deleterious to fish, which materially reduces the risk of disease. Coverings of plants protect them from harm, much of which is abated, while they are mere retainers of life; colours are brighter.
Oxygen Production
- Photosynthesis releases oxygen during daylight hours
- Supports higher fish activity levels
- Matches natural respiration patterns
Toxin Removal
- Absorbs ammonia through leaf surfaces
- Reduces nitrate concentrations by 20-40%
- Prevents toxin-related health issues
Stress Reduction
- Provides hiding spots mimicking habitats
- Lowers cortisol levels in fish
- Reduces fin-nipping behaviors
They support your fish's Immunity System. Less stress equals a lower chance of disease. Increased breeding behaviour as fish feel more at home. Fry survive longer with cover. You use fewer chemicals as the ecosystem balances out. Your fish will live happier and longer!
Put in plants sparingly. Cover the back with tall-growing sorts. Add some floating plants to help aerate the water. Some mosses also shelter the fry. Test the water weekly to see if there is any improvement. Observe the movements of the fish for symptoms of their health or otherwise. Share in their thriving; if the plants thrive, so will the fish.
Read the full article: 15 Essential Aquarium Plant Types for Beginners
