Peter Hiscock

Encyclopedia of

AQUARIUM
PLANTS

A comprehensive exploration of aquarium

plants, with practical advice on how to grow
them to perfection.
 Encyclopedia of

AQUARIUM
PLANTS
 Above: The arching crinkled leaves of Aponogeton boivinianus
dominate this aquarium display and provide sanctuary for the
shoaling fish.
First Edition for the United States and Canada published in
2003 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. First published in 2003
by Interpet Publishing. Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants OO
Copyright 2003 by Interpet Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced
in any form, by photostat, microfilm, xerography, or any other
means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system,
electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the
copyright owner.

All inquiries should be addressed to:

Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Boulevard Hauppauge, New York 11788
http://www.barronseduc.com
International Standard Book Number 0-7641-5521-0
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2002101225
Printed in China
987654321

Author
Peter Hiscock'began keeping fish and aquariums as a child, inspired by his parents, both accomplished
marine biologists. He was appointed manager of a retail aquatics outlet at just 17 years of age and went on to
complete aquatic studies at Sparsholt College in Hampshire, UK. He entered publishing with contributions
to the aquatic press. His main interests include fish behavior and the interaction of fish with their environ-
ment, as well as aquascaping and the natural habitats of aquarium species.
Publisher's acknowledgment
The publishers would like to thank Tropica Aquarium Plants a/s, Hjortshoj, Denmark for supplying plants
for photography.
Contents
Part One: Practical section

Comprehensive practical guidance on all aspects of creating a stunning planted aquarium,

from how plants work to the value and techniques of regular maintenance. The topics of wa-
ter quality and filtration, choosing substrates, and correct planting methods are all featured
in detail. Lighting, feeding, and propagation arc also key areas to receive attention, followed
by a major section on aguascaping.

Introduction 10
The natural biology of plants 12
Water quality and filtration 26
I he right substrate 38
Choosing and planting 48
Lighting the aquarium 56
Feeding aquarium plants 66
Propagating aquarium plants 78
Maintaining a planted aquarium 84
Aquascaping 94
Fish for the planted aquarium 118

Part Two Plant profiles

A wide-ranging survey of more than 150 popular aquarium plants presented in A—Z or-
der of scientific name, including a brief review of nonaquatic plants suitable for temporary
display in the aquarium. The majority of the featured plants are shown in color photographs,
many with accompanying detailed views. Full botanical, practical, and growing information
is provided for each plant, including common name, origin, height, growth rate, suitable
aquarium zone, lighting requirements, optimum temperature range, propagation techniques,
and difficulty rating.
Introduction 122
Plant Profiles 124
Index and credits 198

Left: Echinodorus uruguayensis, one of many echinodorus species , and cultivars available
for aquarium use. They provide bold shapes and contribute an elegant style to planting dis-
plays.
Página Dupla 1
A coldwater aquarium
The greatest variety of commonly available aquarium plants originate from tropical waters. This is good
news for the majority of fishkeepers who keep tropical freshwater fish, but not for those with coldwa-
ter aquariums. Well-planted coldwater aquariums are rarely seen, although there are plenty of plants
available that prefer colder water. Many of these are sold alongside tropical plants and also do well in
warmer water. Another place to look for suitable plants for an unheated aquarium is among submerged
or marginal pond plants. If you do use these, be sure to remove the aquatic soil they are planted in, as it
will muddy the aquarium water. An unheated or coldwater aquarium kept indoors rarely becomes very
cold, often stabilizing at about 64-72°F (18-22rC), and should more accurately be described as a tem-
perate aquarium. It may he worth investing in a heaterstat for a coldwater aquarium to prevent temper-
atures from fluctuating, which can adversely affect both fish and plants.

Tank dimensions: 15 in (38 cm) x 15 in (38 cm) x 30 in (75 cm)

Villisneria spiralis;
Nuphar japónica (spatterdock);
Egeria densa (Elodea);
Ludwigia palustris (Broad-leaf ludwigia);
Myriophyllum hippuroides (Green milfoil);
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Spadeleaf plant);
Hydrocotyle verticillata (Whorled umblella plant);
Eleocharis párvula (Dwarf hairgrass);
Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny);
A bottom layer of soil-like, nutrient-rich substrate will satisfy the background plants, many of which
are faster growing and nutrient hungry. (Potting soil would also be a suitable lower substrate for this
type of aquascape.) this is covered by a deeper, lime-free rooting substrate. The smaller foreground
plants are bog plants that prefer a dense and compact substrate.;
Potamogeton crispus;
Sagittaria platyphylla (Giant sagittaria)
 The leaves of aquatic plants are ideal surface
thesis (see pages R9-91). Removing algae gro
Most types of algae have high levels of prote
years, specific fish have adapted and evolved
algae-eaters.
In a planted aquarium, it is important to use
useful role in removing algae. Small catfish,
will constantly graze algae from plants witho
sharks (E. frenatus), do attain about 6 in (15
aus species. Siamese flying foxes (Crossochc
brush algae, which many other algae-eating

USEFUL ALGAE-EATING FISH FOR THE

Plant list
1. Egeria dense (Elodea)
2. Eleocharis parvula (Dwarf hairgrass)
3. Gymnocoronis splanthoides (Spadeleaf plant)
4. Hydrocotyle verticillata (Whorled umbrella plant) Gastromgon bomeensis (hillstream loach)
5. Ludwigia palustris (Broadleaf ludwigia)
6. Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)
7. Myriophyllum hippuroides (Green milfoil)
8. Nuphar japonica (Spatterdock)
9. Potarnogeton crispus
10. Sagittaria platyphylla (Giant sagittaria)
11. Vailisneria spiralis (Straight vallis)
Crossocheilus siamensis (Siamese flying fox)
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor (red-tailed black sh
Epaizeorhynchus frenatus (ruby shark)
Farlowella acus (twig catfish)
Gynnochedus ayMOnieri (sucking loach)
Otocinclus affinis (dwarf otocinclus)
Peckoltia pulcher (dwarf plec)
Poccilia reticulate (guppy)
Poecilia sPhenOPS (molly)
Poecilia velifera (sailfin molly)
Rineloricaria hasemania (whiptall catfish)

SUITABLE FISH Scavenging fish

Many fine-leaved, grasslike, foreground plan
Coldwater aquariums are not limited to common and fancyscavenger
goldfish,fish canmay
which be introduced
damage some to a planted
plants when they are large enough. Instead, consider some common "temperate fish" that may the filte
ity also helps to move debris toward
groups in
prefer the cooler water. Good algae-eaters and scavengers include thethe planted
Chinese aquarium.
hilMream Although sc
leach,
the sucking leach, and the weather touch. Some Corydorasthat spp.they
can receive
also be the
keptcorrect diet.
in cooler wa-Some loach
also htiry themselves
ter Midwater swimmers, such as White Cloud Mountain minnows, zebra danios, golden and and move underneath
trappedfish,
rosy barbs, will also enjoy cooler water Beware of certain tropical debris.
suchFish like these spend
as liyebearers and most of
plea (Hypostomus spp.), which may become prone to disease if not acclimatized properly to in the a
active and prefer a moderate current
coldwater aquariums. may not do well in a slow-current, low-oxyg

SMALL SHOALING FISH FOR A PLAN-11

Hemigrammus bleheri (rummy-nose tetra) H
(red phantom tetra) Nematonrycon paltrier
ora)
SMALL SHOALING FISH THAT PREFER A
Brachydanio sp. (danios) Hasemdnla nand (
Larger midwater swimmers Some larger fish
tion to a display. The most popular fish in th
Although when fully grown, these fish will b
heteromorpha), they can normally be kept w
Many anabantoid species can become quite l
ed shape. Some larger fish, mainly some cich
young. Watching this process in the aquariu
Hygrophila speci
Several varieties
between species,
Cuttings can be r
water surface. If

Scientific name:
Synonym: Noma
Common name:
Origin: India, In
Hygrophila corym
softer water. An i
ideal for the edge
Maximum heigh
Growth rate: Me
Area: Backgroun
Light: Moderate
Temperature: 68-
Propagation: Fro
Difficulty: 1

Taking currings f
The rigid stems a

Scientific name:
Synonym: Synne
Common name:
Origin: India, Th
This unusually sh
leaves ore thicker
may drop off and
Maximum heigh
Growth rate: Me
Area: Backgroun
Light: Bright to S
Temperature: 75-
Propagation: Fro
Difficulty: 2

OTHER PLANT
Hygrophila corym
Origin: Asia
Maximum heigh
Growth rate: Me
Background Ligh
 ies
of hygrophila are available for aquariums and some of the common species have different leaf forms. This group of plants is
, but most are fast growing and will need regular pruning and/or thinning to keep them tidy.
replanted in the substrate and should quickly produce roots. Good lighting, plus CO, and iron fertilization are important for
plants are allowed to grow above the surface in an aquarium, they may produce flowers.

Hygrophila corymbosa
aphila stricta
Giant hygrophila
ndonesia
mbosa, a very popular, readily available, and well-known aquarium plant, is highly adaptable and relatively fast growing. It is
ideal plant for any aquarium, it is not fussy about substrates or water quality. The plant can be grouped, but allow at least 2-2
es and corners of the aquarium. If the leaves begin to yellow, add more iron or CO2. Can be kept in cooler water.
ht: 20 in (50 cm)
edium to Fast
nd, Midground
to Bright
-82°F (20-28°C)
om cuttings and side shoots

from taller stems will produce a more ‘’bushy’’ plant.

and leaves of this plant appear terrestrial in origin.

Hygrophila difformis
ema triflorum
Water wisteria
Thailand, Malaya
haped aquarium plant does well in bright light and looks best when kept in well-spaced groups of four or five stems. The leaf
r and smaller, at higher temperatures they are larger and more divided. The leaves are large — up to 4 in (10 cm) long — so a
d the spacing between the leaves increases.
ht: 20 in (50 cm)
edium
nd
Strong
-82°F (24-28°C) AN
om cuttings and side shoots

TS OF INTEREST
mbosa 'Gracilis’

ht: 20 in (50 cm)

edium to Fast Area:
ht Bright