Aquarium plants don't have to be a pain

Originally published in LEO on April 26, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

For many aquarium enthusiasts, growing live plants can seem intimidating. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains that with the right lighting, filtration, and plant selection, a thriving planted aquarium is well within reach—even for beginners.

Dedicated to the memory of longtime customer and friend Mrs. Nellie Oyler, this article is both a practical guide to planted aquariums and a reminder of how much knowledge and kindness can be shared through the pet community.

Editor's Note

This article is presented as originally published in April 2000. Aquarium lighting, fertilizers, filtration systems, and aquatic plant care have advanced significantly since publication. Readers interested in creating a planted aquarium should consult current resources for species-specific requirements, LED lighting recommendations, and modern aquarium plant fertilizers.

Original 2000 Column

The following article is transcribed from the original publication with only minor formatting changes for online readability.

This week's article is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Nellie Oyler. I should explain that Mrs. Oyler was a customer of mine and became a good friend. She not only taught me a great deal about fish and aquarium plants, but also about being the kind of neighbor and citizen I want to be. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her will deeply miss her.

So this week I'd like to discuss keeping live aquarium plants. For many people, the thought of trying to grow plants in the house, much less the aquarium, is a true chore. Others can't imagine having an aquarium without the joy of watching and growing live aquatic plants. While it will require a dedication to cleanliness, it does not have to take time away from your weekend golf game.

Before running out and buying $50 worth of live plants, let's talk about the environment within your aquarium. What types of fish do you have? What is the water temperature? What type of filter do you have? Do you have a twin tube or single tube aquarium hood? All these questions need to be asked before diving in after live plants or you will no doubt find yourself, in a matter of weeks, fishing out the dead remains of what used to be nice-looking plants.

Let's first talk about the choice of plants depending on the fish you have. If you have cichlids, you will undoubtedly want to keep only artificial plants. Most South American and African cichlids enjoy uprooting and playing havoc with plants. Live plants will most likely be destroyed in a short time if kept with cichlids. Goldfish are also rough on live plants. The plant-eating tendencies of goldfish will also make live plant-keeping difficult for a novice.

Luckily, most novice fish-owners start with community fish. These are fish like tetras, mollies, platies, gouramis and barbs. Once you have an established aquarium, you may want to try to plant it with live rather than artificial plants. The best way to begin is by investing in a twin-tube aquarium hood. With this type of fixture, you will be certain to have adequate lighting for your plants to grow and thrive. I keep a full spectrum bulb such as a VitaLight on one side and a high intensity aquarium bulb such as the Hagen PowerGlo on the other. This combination will provide sufficient lighting for your plants and also add a nice lighting color for your fish.

Most plants will thrive with only 8 to 10 hours of light per day, so don't feel like you have to always keep your light on to help them grow. Normally I will put my lights on a timer and plug it right into the wall. This will take the guess-work out of it. Once you are certain you have the right lighting, you may begin purchasing your first plants. I recommend a hardy plant such as the Java Fern or some of the Cryptocorynes.

Most pet stores that specialize in fish will be able to show you the proper plants to begin with. Once you have decided on the best starter plants for your tank, you will want to purchase a good plant food. I recommend a brand called Flourish, made by a company named Seachem. This will give your plants nutrients they will not receive from your tap water. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid changing your water quality drastically and endangering your fish.

When keeping live plants, I will normally recommend using an external power filter or canister filter rather than an under-gravel filter. By using an under-gravel filter, you will have to un-plant your plants every time you siphon your tank in order to get it clean.

By following simple instructions, maintaining the proper temperature and having adequate lighting, you can have a beautiful aquarium full of live plants. I know this seems like a lot to learn and a lot to do, but folks, if I can do it, anyone can!

Aquarium plants don't have to be a pain: The Pet Guy Perspective Today

Keeping a planted aquarium has become much easier since this article was first published.

One of the biggest changes has been the widespread availability of high-quality LED aquarium lighting, which provides excellent plant growth while using far less electricity than older fluorescent fixtures. Aquarium fertilizers have also become more sophisticated, and many hobbyists now successfully grow lush planted aquariums using complete nutrient systems, carbon supplementation when appropriate, and carefully selected beginner plants.

Many of the principles discussed in this article still hold true. Matching plants to the fish you keep, providing consistent lighting, and choosing hardy species when you're starting out remain excellent advice. Java Ferns and many Cryptocoryne species are still among the most recommended plants for beginners because of their durability and adaptability.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that planted aquariums reward patience. Healthy live plants not only create beautiful underwater landscapes but can also improve water quality, provide shelter for fish, and create a more natural environment. With today's equipment and information, creating a thriving planted aquarium is more achievable than ever.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

This article is part of The Pet Guy Archives, a growing collection of Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns preserving decades of trusted pet care advice, memorable animal stories, and practical guidance for pet owners.

Explore more articles covering freshwater aquariums, saltwater fish, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotic pets, and responsible pet ownership.

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve the original newspaper columns written by Jeff Seidenfaden, nationally recognized pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, and animal advocate. Originally published beginning in the 1990s, these articles have been carefully restored for today's readers while preserving the original voice and perspective of each column.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is an entrepreneur, former television host, newspaper columnist, and lifelong animal advocate best known as The Pet Guy. For more than three decades, he has educated pet owners through television, newspapers, radio, public appearances, and community outreach, helping families build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.