The main reason why aquarium plants keep floating is because they are not properly rooted in the substrate. This can happen due to various factors, such as poor quality or insufficient amount of substrate, incorrect planting technique, or inadequate lighting and fertilization. Floating plants can be a nuisance for aquarists, as they can block the light, reduce the water flow, and create a messy appearance. In this article, we will explore the causes and solutions for floating aquarium plants, and how to prevent them from happening in the future.
The Importance of Substrate for Aquarium Plants
Substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the aquarium, such as gravel, sand, soil, or clay. Substrate serves several purposes for aquarium plants, such as:
- Providing anchorage and stability for the roots
- Supplying nutrients and minerals for the growth and development
- Enhancing the aesthetic appeal and natural look of the aquarium
Therefore, choosing the right substrate for your aquarium plants is crucial for their health and well-being. Different plants have different substrate requirements, depending on their size, shape, and root system. Some plants, such as java ferns, anubias, and mosses, do not need substrate at all, as they can attach themselves to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations. Other plants, such as swords, crypts, and stem plants, need a thick layer of nutrient-rich substrate to thrive.
Common Causes of Floating Aquarium Plants
If your aquarium plants keep floating, it means that they are not properly rooted in the substrate. This can happen due to several reasons, such as:
- Poor quality or insufficient amount of substrate. If the substrate is too coarse, too fine, or too shallow, it can prevent the plants from developing a strong and stable root system. Coarse substrate, such as large gravel or pebbles, can leave gaps and spaces that can cause the plants to loosen and float. Fine substrate, such as sand or silt, can compact and suffocate the roots, reducing their ability to absorb nutrients and oxygen. Shallow substrate, less than 2 inches, can limit the root growth and make the plants vulnerable to uprooting.
- Incorrect planting technique. If the plants are not planted correctly, they can easily float away. Some common planting mistakes are: planting the plants too deep or too shallow, planting the plants too close or too far apart, planting the plants with damaged or rotten roots, or planting the plants without removing the lead weight or the wool that comes with them. These mistakes can affect the plant’s health, growth, and stability, and make them more likely to float.
- Inadequate lighting and fertilization. Lighting and fertilization are essential for the photosynthesis and metabolism of aquarium plants. If the plants do not receive enough light or nutrients, they can become weak, stunted, or yellow, and lose their ability to stay rooted. Lighting and fertilization requirements vary depending on the type, size, and number of plants in the aquarium, as well as the water parameters, temperature, and filtration. Generally, low-light plants need 1 to 2 watts per gallon of light, while high-light plants need 3 to 5 watts per gallon. Similarly, low-tech plants need minimal fertilization, while high-tech plants need regular dosing of macro and micro nutrients.
How to Fix Floating Aquarium Plants
If your aquarium plants keep floating, you can try the following solutions to fix them:
- Replant the plants properly. The first step is to replant the plants correctly in the substrate. To do this, you need to: remove any lead weight or wool that comes with the plants, trim any damaged or rotten roots, make a small hole in the substrate with your finger or a tweezers, insert the plant gently into the hole, and cover the roots with the substrate. Make sure to plant the plants at the right depth, not too deep or too shallow, and leave some space between them to allow for growth. You can also use plant anchors, such as clips, rings, or wires, to secure the plants in place.
- Improve the quality and quantity of substrate. The second step is to improve the substrate for your aquarium plants. To do this, you need to: choose a substrate that is suitable for your plants, such as gravel, sand, soil, or clay, depending on their size, shape, and root system, add enough substrate to cover the bottom of the aquarium, at least 2 to 3 inches deep, and enrich the substrate with nutrients and minerals, such as root tabs, pellets, or capsules, to boost the plant growth and development.
- Adjust the lighting and fertilization. The third step is to adjust the lighting and fertilization for your aquarium plants. To do this, you need to: measure the light intensity and duration in your aquarium, using a light meter or a timer, and adjust it according to your plants’ needs, usually between 6 to 8 hours per day, dose the right amount and type of fertilizer for your plants, using liquid or dry fertilizers, and following the instructions on the label, and monitor the water parameters, such as pH, hardness, and nitrate, and perform regular water changes, to prevent algae growth and nutrient imbalance.
How to Prevent Floating Aquarium Plants
If you want to prevent your aquarium plants from floating in the future, you can follow these tips:
- Choose the right plants for your aquarium. Not all plants are suitable for every aquarium. Some plants are more prone to floating than others, such as stem plants, floating plants, or plants with large leaves. You should choose plants that match your aquarium size, shape, and style, and that are compatible with your substrate, lighting, and fertilization. You should also research the plants before buying them, and learn about their care and maintenance.
- Acclimate the plants before planting them. Plants can experience shock and stress when they are transferred from one environment to another, such as from the store to your aquarium. This can cause them to wilt, melt, or float. You should acclimate the plants before planting them, by floating them in a bag or a container in your aquarium water for at least 15 to 30 minutes, and gradually adding some of your aquarium water to the bag or container, until the temperature and chemistry are equalized.
- Avoid disturbing the plants. Plants can be disturbed by various factors, such as fish, snails, shrimp, or other invertebrates, water flow, or cleaning. These factors can damage, uproot, or dislodge the plants, and make them float. You should avoid disturbing the plants, by choosing fish, snails, shrimp, or other invertebrates that are plant-friendly, and that do not nibble, dig, or pull on the plants, reducing the water flow, or using a gentle filter, such as a sponge filter, or an air pump, and cleaning the aquarium carefully, using a gravel vacuum, a siphon, or a brush, and avoiding the plant area.
Conclusion
Aquarium plants are a great addition to any aquarium, as they provide oxygen, filtration, shelter, and beauty. However, they can also cause problems if they keep floating. Floating plants can be caused by poor quality or insufficient amount of substrate, incorrect planting technique, or inadequate lighting and fertilization. To fix floating plants, you need to replant them properly, improve the quality and quantity of substrate, and adjust the lighting and fertilization. To prevent floating plants, you need to choose the right plants for your aquarium, acclimate them before planting them, and avoid disturbing them. By following these steps, you can enjoy your aquarium plants without worrying about them floating away.