The plants can be placed in the substrate, preferably plain gravel or coarse sand, using tweezers or bare fingers. Java moss will grow anywhere, as youdon't actually plant it, it grows on the surface of … The density of sand can create a problem for those that want to keep live plants. When it comes to how to grow aquarium plants, this type only needs a source of light. – Water Sprite. Even with the addition of root tabs, it is not the best option for a planted aquarium. The plants have a dense carpet and can grow quite tall, making them ideal for providing hiding spaces for your fish. While pure sand is not an ideal medium for growing plants, it can be used to successfully grow a number of different plant species. I remember going to my grandparents' homes during holidays and summers, where the soil was a very deep, loose sand. So I have a 20" tall 40 gal tank and I want to add a touch of live plants. If you let rotting plants grow in your aquarium, it can affect other plants and your fish and lead to a bad odor. Better Oxygenation – Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen that your fish will be able to use. Crystalwort: Bright green and it grows in thick mats similar to moss. Beware! If you have a friend that has hornwort, it might be a good idea to ask if you can have a piece of it for your own aquarium. This is among the easiest plants to cultivate in your aquarium. Question 1: What plant species would you suggest Question 2: Will the plants grow in play sand or would I have to change that? The material you choose impacts your aquarium set-up and whether your community of fish, invertebrates, and/or plants thrives or struggles. A good idea is to fertilize your water lilies every month, especially during spring. The Vallisneria send out runners after every 5-6 weeks that will grow into new plants. But, with the use of root tab fertilizer, then Amazon sword will grow really well in sand, as well as other substrate. Propagation is especially easy, because it can grow new plants from cuttings of the main plant. These rapidly growing aquarium plants can take over in no time. Sand is usually so compact that plant roots have difficulty growing and spreading out. I take a very easy approach with mine but one could go with higher light, Co2 and fert dosing and end up with a very nice planted tank. The roots will grow on top of the sand too and it actually looks really good. I just set up this 36 gal, so none of the roots are showing. Floating plants take root in water, but don’t need to be anchored to the gravel. I have playsand as substrate too. Water Filtration – Live plants are able to use nitrates to grow. Sand has no nutrients so is pretty awful stuff for growing plants in. Something grassy and not too tall. The more light, the faster they grow. The plant is also super versatile, because it can grow in the substrate or as a floating plant. As you can see I have also anchored the java ferns to my driftwood and tucked the roots around the wood to make it look better, which is a good solution for other plants if you want to keep the look of the sand. While there are a variety of options for the bottom of your tank, including using potting soil , peat , or even leaving it bare , most aquarists opt for either gravel or a sandy bottom. Here are just a few of the benefits freshwater aquarium plants can provide your tank with. Like gravel, sand also does not provide nutrients for the plants. Cleaning will not only keep your water clean but also make way for new flowers to grow. All you have to do is to plug the plant right into the substrate, then pull it out a bit so that only the roots stay underneath. The point is you can indeed grow plants in pool filter sand if that is the substrate you really want.