If you've ever looked at your aquarium and noticed that the water had turned a dark green, you're not alone. This common issue is often perplexing for aquarium hobbyists, and understanding the causes can help you address the problem effectively. In this article, we'll discuss the reasons behind green aquarium water, its effects on aquatic plants and tank inhabitants, and the steps you can take to resolve the issue. 

Be consistent: Aquatic plants, love consistency, regular water changes, adding the same amount of fertiliser each time* and on a regular bases and a power timer for your light system, will go a very long way to helping you grow lush aquarium plants.

The physical characteristics of the Java fern include its attractive, bright green leaves that can grow up to 14 inches in length. The leaves have an elongated, lanceolate shape with wavy or slightly serrated edges. Java ferns do not have true roots; instead, they feature rhizomes that anchor the plant to surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, or other ornaments in the aquarium.

In the freshwater aquarium, diatoms can be controlled through a combination of environmental management and the use of chemical treatments. To control diatoms, it is important to maintain good water quality by keeping the aquarium water well-filtered and well-aerated, and by avoiding overfeeding, overstocking, and other practices that can lead to excess organic waste.

Nutrient Supply: Substrates rich in nutrients provide essential nutrients to the roots of the plants, allowing them to absorb and utilize them for growth. Good substrates include laterite or clay balls.

Anubias nana provides a nice texture and colour to any planted tank and will look great once it grows along the surface of your hardscape.

Never underestimate the power of a good water change! Clean water is a staple of good aquarium care, so if your tank becomes polluted, it will help perform a water change. Regular water changes can help dilute and carry away unwanted algae nutrients that build up in your aquarium. We suggest carrying this out weekly as part of your maintenance routine, as going too long between changes may increase your chances of an algae outbreak.

Many varieties of aquatic plant are interchangeable in their ability to live emersed or submersed. But, when you decide on the look you are going for, do not change their environment too often. It will cause them stress, and they will likely die. When you know what you want, and change their environment to suit, it can take up to months for a plant to adapt. Patience is key.

 

Crinums are a part of the African onion plant family, and it is easy to see why when you look down at the bulb structure. I have heard of people slicing the bulbs and unravelling the layers, much like a brown onion, and this can be used as a propagation technique. With only one plant I am not keen on doing this.