Breeding aquarium fish is a very interesting, but truly difficult task. Of course, this has a number of advantages. Firstly, the fish do not spoil the furniture, do not leave behind wool, which is just everywhere when keeping cats or dogs, do not make noise. Aquarium fish are well suited for those who are allergic to pet hair. In addition, they are interesting to watch. But to breed them is not as easy as it seems. They, like other pets, need to be fed in a timely manner, and, unlike others, they cannot give you a sign that they are hungry. Therefore, it is better for forgetful people not to undertake this business at all.
Great trouble delivers an aquarium. First you need to purchase it. The aquarium should be the right size. It all depends on the number and size of fish that you plan to get. 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. The plants in the aquarium can be very different. Distinguish between artificial and living algae. This raises the question of which option to dwell on. 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, first of all, an ornament. It has a lot of advantages. Firstly, it is very economical. Artificial algae are inexpensive and can last quite a long time, because, unlike living "brothers", they do not rot and, naturally, do not die. Secondly, many species of fish feed not only on food, but also on algae. The artificial plant in the aquarium in this case will remain intact, because the fish will not like it. This type of algae cannot grow, which means you can not be afraid that the whole aquarium will grow over them. If artificial, not algae grows, the water in it becomes 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 the aquarium can be placed anywhere. If you are tired of its location, the decoration can simply be rearranged.
Cons of artificial algae
Despite the large number of advantages, artificial algae also have some disadvantages. They are not living plants, which means they are not able to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Live algae can save the aquarium water from various toxic substances, artificial, respectively, do not have such a function. Artificial plants in the aquarium are also not able to produce beneficial substances that prevent the development of beneficial bacteria. As already mentioned, algae are food for some species of fish, and these decorations are inedible.
Benefits of Living Plants
Living plants in the aquarium are very popular among fish breeders. Their main advantages are that they grow, live and breathe. This means that they favorably affect the inhabitants of the aquarium. Living plants are capable of releasing oxygen in the light, absorbing carbon dioxide. Even a good filter is not able to purify water as much as plants. They absorb everything harmful that spoils the life of fish. In addition to those algae that you planted yourself, intentionally, other lower algae, the presence of which is undesirable, can also begin to develop in the aquarium. Living aquatic plants are able to survive them from the aquarium, interfere with their development. Without live algae, some species of fish are not able to reproduce. For them, plants are the place where they lay their offspring (eggs). As has been said many times, algae are food for fish. As you know, aquarium fish are shy pets. Living plants in an aquarium are a way to take shelter if they are afraid.
Lack of living plants
They also have disadvantages. If there is a lot of algae, especially in winter, when daylight hours are reduced, then the fish may suffer from a lack of oxygen. Because algae can only produce it in the light. If a living plant in the aquarium died, then it begins to rot and poison the water. The process of decay is even faster than on land. Various parasitic organisms that harm the inhabitants of the aquarium can reproduce on living plants. In addition, plants often do not grow in the aquarium. The most likely reason for this is that the conditions created are not suitable for them.
Varieties of Algae
So, consider what plants are in the aquarium. By the type of placement, several types of live algae are distinguished:
- Living on the surface of the water.
- Inhabiting the water column.
- Algae attached to the bottom.
- Plants with a long stem.
- Algae whose leaves come to the surface.
When purchasing live algae, pay attention to the illumination of the room. If it is insufficient, then it is better to use a special lamp or purchase artificial ones. Also, when buying live specimens, consult with a consultant about how to care for them. Many algae require special care. In general, when choosing live algae, you should consult with 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, no one forbade them. In the aquarium they can be combined. The main thing is not to get carried away by their quantity and leave a place for the fish themselves.