Some of the usual things that we add to aquariums, aside from the fish and water, are really necessary additions and not just for decoration. One example of those necessary items is the aquarium plant. Aquarium plants provide the necessary hiding spots for the fish to make them feel more comfortable.

There are two types of plants that you can put in an aquarium: real plants or the fake variety. Real plants will naturally require more care and maintenance than plastic plants. The process of choosing what real plant to put in is also be a lot more complicated than just choosing plastic ones.

Plastic plants can withstand anything, even poor water quality. They do need occasional cleaning, which can be done with a brush in the sink. There are neon colored plastic plants in styles that simply aren't achievable with real aquatic plants. However, neon plants can stress out your fish, because they are used to a more natural setting. Plus, some fish will actually adjust their colors so that they are less vibrant against the neon plants; a more realistic setting can bring out their naturally bright colors.

If you want plants that are realistic but easy to care for, consider silk plants. They can be a little more expensive than plastic varieties, but are just as easy to care for. Always choose silk plants designed for aquariums, not those found in craft stores or labeled for reptile use, because those types have chemicals that could make your fish sick.

Fresh plants are of course, the most natural looking. Like some kinds of fish, though, they can be very hard to maintain. Some of them will thrive only under specific water temperatures or pH levels. Find the fresh plants whose specific needs are compatible with the water requirements of your fish.

Besides being more realistic, there are additional benefits to using real plants. Some fish will only breed in a planted tank. Fresh plants also help in the nitrogen cycle by using nitrates, and add oxygen to the water. Live plants are eaten by many fish varieties, and for these herbivores, fresh plants are the most natural food source.

All these advantages are sometimes overshadowed by the extra effort you have to put in to take care of fresh plants. Fresh plants require light for photosynthesis, the same way that your ordinary garden plants do. The amount of light will depend on what type of plants you have. You also need to take care of the fertilizer needs of some of them. They do not grow on just your ordinary plant fertilizer but with special aquarium type of fertilizer. Do not attempt to put ordinary fertilizer on them for they might kill not just the plants but the fish as well.

Unlike fake plants, cleaning fresh plants must be done in the aquarium where they are planted. Over time, dead and decaying leaves will accumulate on the bottom of your tank and will reduce water quality. You can prevent this by pruning the dying parts of your plant and by using a special product like EcoBio-Block. This product can provide the beneficial bacteria needed to convert the organic wastes, such as decaying plants, into safer by-products that will keep your water clean and healthy. With proper care and maintenance, real live plants will really give your aquarium the ideal natural habitat that your fish need.

Leonard Boyler has been keeping fish for more than 20 years. His favorite products make aquarium care and maintenance really easy from start up to clarifying cloudy fish tanks. To find out more about how to keep your water clear and your fish healthy, please visit ONEdersave.com.