How to Keep Aquarium Plants From Floating

Few things can kill your aquatic plants faster than a missing water level. However, there are ways to keep them from floating, like a deeper substrate and more generous aquarium gravel.

Here’s how you can manage the water levels in your aquarium and make sure that they stay at the right place.

How to Keep Aquarium Plants From Floating

Here are a few methods of how you can keep aquarium plants from floating. I can guarantee that after reading this, you will find a way to anchor your plants most easily and conveniently possible on your end:

• River rocks: River rocks can help stabilize the water level and keep your aquatic plants from floating. Fill a small space in the tank with river rocks, then add water until it covers the rocks.

• Substrate: Adding a layer of the substrate below the water level will help keep your plants rooted in place. Make sure the substrate is thick enough to prevent water from leaking through and replace it as necessary to maintain stability.

• Gravel: Adding generous amounts of gravel will help to keep the plants from floating. Place the gravel in a circular or square pattern and make sure it is at least an inch thick.

• Driftwood: If you don’t have room for river rocks or substrate, use driftwood instead. Driftwood will help to stabilize the water level and keep your plants from floating. Make sure the wood is wet before adding it to the aquarium, then replace any lost or dislodged pieces as necessary to maintain stability.

• Plant anchors: If you don’t want to add any extra gravel or driftwood, use plant anchors. Plant anchors are small pieces of wood that fit inside the rim of your aquarium and hold plants in place. Add one anchor for each group of plants you want to keep anchor.

• Plastic mesh: If you don’t want to add any extra gravel or driftwood, use plastic mesh. The plastic mesh comes in different sizes and shapes, so it can accommodate a variety of aquariums. Cut the mesh to size and place it over the top of your aquarium.

• Pots: Many of the techniques for stabilizing a plant in an aquarium use pieces of material that either need to be added to the tank or replaced as they wear out. These additions can be expensive and time-consuming, so sometimes it’s easier just to let your plants stay in their pot. If you do this, make sure the pot is large enough so that water doesn’t leak through and drown your plants.

• Crevices: If you don’t have room for plants in an aquarium, try planting them in crevices. Crevices are spaces between rocks and the substrate that water can flow around freely. Plant your plants near the edge of the crevice so they can get plenty of sunlight and water circulation.

• Fish-safe adhesive: If you don’t want to use plant anchors or plastic mesh, you can anchor plants using fish-safe adhesive. Fish-safe adhesive is a type of glue that’s safe for both fish and plants. To use it, spread the adhesive on one side of a piece of driftwood or lace rock, then place the wood on top of your aquarium.

• Suction cups: If you don’t have room for plants in an aquarium, or you’re not comfortable using any of the other stabilization techniques, you can use suction cups. Suction cups are attached to the bottom of a plant and attach to the glass or plastic top of an aquarium. To use them, place your plant on one side of a cup, then press down until it sticks. To remove a plant, press down on the cup until it pops off the glass or plastic. Create a natural habitat for your fish and plants with the use of these stabilization techniques.

What Plants Can Be Added to Aquarium?

The answer to this question depends on the type of aquarium you have. Some aquatic plants are only compatible with certain types of tanks, so it’s important to do a little research before adding any plants. Here are our best picks for the plants that you can add to your fish tank!

• Anubias: Anubias are popular for their bottom-dwelling capabilities and lustrous, green leaves. They grow quickly and can be easy to care for.

• Cryptocoryne: Cryptocorynes are excellent additions to reef tanks because of their relatively small size and ability to forms dense colonies. Their feathery leaves provide plenty of shade, while their white or off-white flowers add a touch of elegance.

• Amazon sword: Amazon swords are durable plants that can tolerate a lot of neglect. With slightly fuzzy leaves and dark green blades, these beauties make an excellent addition to a low-light aquarium.

• Hornwort: Hornworts are easy to grow and add tons of variability to any tank. Their Harding leaves can change color based on the light levels in your tank, while their marshmallow root provides essential nutrients for other reef inhabitants.

• Java fern: Java ferns are a low-maintenance favorite because they require little water and hardly any CO2. Their sturdy leaves provide plenty of covers, while their dense spikes can help to hog light for other plants in your tank.

• Water wisteria: Water wisterias are a popular choice for those who want a plant that will thrive in both high and low light levels. Their vines can be stretched over an entire surface, while their clusters of pink or white flowers offer plenty of beauty to your tank.

• Coralline: Coralline is a durable type of coral that can handle a lot of neglect. With rough skin and long tentacles, these beauties are perfect for those who want to add some character to their tank without having to foot the bill.

• Elodea: Elodea is both an excellent choice for low-light tanks and a great standby for when other plants in your tank start to get too aggressive. With their plentiful leaves and small size, these plants provide plenty of coverage without taking up too much space.