A plant in an aquarium. Live and artificial algae

Breeding aquarium fish - a very interesting, but truly difficult exercise. Of course, this has a number of advantages. First, the fish do not spoil the furniture, do not leave a wool behind them, which is just everywhere when keeping cats or dogs, do not make noise. Aquarium fish are good for those who are allergic to the pet hair. In addition, it is interesting to observe them. But breeding them is not as easy as it seems. They, as well as other pets, need to be fed in a timely manner, and unlike others, they can not give you a sign that they are hungry. Therefore, forgetful people should not do it at all.

Great trouble brings an aquarium. First you need to buy it. The aquarium should be the right size. It all depends on the number and size of fish that you plan to have. The aquarium needs to be cleaned and replaced with water. Also, do not forget about its components, such as the bottom (pebbles, shells and the like), algae and so on. Plants in the aquarium can be very different. There are artificial and living algae. Then the question arises as to which option to stop. This article will tell you in detail about the type of algae and help you choose a plant for your aquarium.

Artificial algae and their benefits

An artificial plant in an aquarium is, above all, an ornament. It has a lot of advantages. First, it is very economical. Artificial algae are inexpensive and can last a long time, because, unlike living "fellow", they do not rot and, of course, do not die. Secondly, many species of fish eat not only food, but also algae. Artificial plant in the aquarium in this case will remain intact, because the fish it will not have to taste. This type of algae can not grow, so you can not be afraid that they will overgrow the entire aquarium. If you grow not living, and artificial algae, the water in it is much easier to change. After all, they can simply be pulled out, and after washing the aquarium put in place without damage. In addition, they themselves are easy to clean. An artificial plant in an aquarium can be put anywhere. If you are bored with its location, the decoration can simply be rearranged.

Cons of artificial algae

Despite the presence of a large number of advantages, artificial algae also have some drawbacks. They are not living plants, which means they can not absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Live algae can rid the aquarium water of various toxic substances, artificial, respectively, such a function does not possess. Artificial plants in the aquarium are also unable to produce useful substances that prevent the development of beneficial bacteria. As already mentioned, algae are food for some species of fish, and these ornaments are inedible.

Advantages of living plants

Live plants in the aquarium are very popular among fish breeders. Their main virtues are they grow, live and breathe. And this means that they have a favorable effect on the inhabitants of the aquarium. Living plants are able to release oxygen in the light, absorbing carbon dioxide. Even a good filter is not capable of purifying water like plants. They absorb all that is harmful, spoiling the life of the fish. In addition to those algae that you planted yourself, intentionally, other lower algae, whose presence is undesirable, may also begin to develop in the aquarium. Live aquatic plants are able to survive from the aquarium, hamper their development. Without live algae, some species of fish can not reproduce. For them, plants are a place where they lay their offspring (caviar). As already mentioned many times, algae are food for fish. As you know, aquarium fish are shy pets. Live plants in the aquarium - is a way to hide, in case they are afraid.

Lack of living plants

There are also drawbacks. If there are a lot of algae, especially in the winter, when the light day decreases, the fish may suffer from a lack of oxygen. Because algae can only produce it in the light. If a living plant in an aquarium is killed, it begins to rot and poison the water. The process of decay is even faster than on land. On living plants, various parasitic organisms that harm aquarium inhabitants can multiply. In addition, plants in the aquarium often do not grow. The most likely reason for this is that they do not fit the conditions created.

Species of algae

So, let's see what plants are in the aquarium. By the type of accommodation, there are several species of live algae:

• Living on the surface of the water.
• Dwellers in the water column.
• Attached to the bottom of the seaweed.
• Plants with a long stem.
• Algae, the leaves of which come to the surface.

Acquiring living algae, pay attention to the illumination of the room. If it is not enough, it is better to use a special lamp or buy artificial ones. Also, when buying live copies, consult a consultant about how to take care of them. For many algae you need special care. In general, when choosing live algae, you should consult more experienced breeders or use additional literature.

Conclusion

So, the main question: "What to choose?" When breeding aquarium fish, the presence of live algae is mandatory. As for the artificial ones, nobody forbade them. They can be combined in an aquarium. The main thing is not to get carried away by their quantity and leave a place for the fishes themselves.