Encyclopedia of aquarium plants – Enciclopedia de las plantas de acuario

El siguiente texto es un extracto del libro Encyclopedia of aquarium plants (ISBN: 9781639195510) Conocerlo, entenderlo, interpretarlo y ayudarlo, escrito por Peter Hiscock , publicado por de Vecchi /DVE ediciones.

Practical section

Over the past 30 years or so the aquarium industry has boomed, and it is now easier than ever for aquarists to obtain the equipment, treatments and fish and plant species they require to create a stunning aquarium. Experienced, long-term hobbyists will often tell of the difficulties they encountered when trying to obtain species and maintain aquariums in ‘the old days’. Much of our success today is due to these pioneering enthusiasts, who were forced to experiment with various aspects of plant and fish care to find the best methods of maintaining planted aquariums. The knowledge they passed on and the methods they devised for aquarium maintenance and keeping plants healthy are now standard practice.

For beginners and newcomers to keeping aquarium plants, there is an increasing amount of information available relating to plant care, and at first glance, it can appear quite daunting. It is not uncommon to find conflicting advice from different sources regarding methods of cultivation or solutions to problems. However, a basic understanding of the requirements of aquatic plants and how to care for them is essential for you to set up and maintain a successful display. Thankfully, a complete understanding of all the aquatic processes that govern good plant care is not required from the start. It is possible, and probably more useful, to learn as you go along.

The first part of this book focuses on practical matters, beginning with the biological processes that occur within plants and the systems they use to thrive in the aquatic environment. Understanding how plants work and why certain conditions are required for healthy growth are vitally important topics. If you acquire a basic understanding of the biology of plants and their requirements, the rest will follow.

Water quality dictates much of the aquarium environment, and in the water quality and filtration section, the properties of water are examined, along with the processes that occur in the aquarium that alter water quality. Filtration and the types of filter suited to a planted aquarium are also discussed. The successful health of plants depends largely on the environment they are kept in, and preparing this begins well before any plants are introduced. For example, the substrate provides much more than a simple rooting medium for plants. A whole chapter in this part of the book is dedicated to the choice of substrates, the vital role they play and how to prepare, install and care for them properly.

Other sections in this part of the book focus on choosing aquatic plants and preparing them for planting, lighting the aquarium and feeding plants. In the feeding chapter, all the nutrients required by plants are examined in detail, including the role they play in plant health and growth.

Fertilisation methods are explained and applied to aquarium situations.

Once planted, you must keep your aquarium display looking its best, so ongoing care and maintenance are discussed next, as well as the correct methods of dealing with pests such as algae and snails.

In the penultimate chapter of Part One, we embark on the exciting prospect of aquascaping – how to design a superb aquarium display, using not only plants, grouped for maximum effect, but rocks, wood, bark and other decor. And if you need further inspiration, take a look at the individual aquascaped display tanks that reflect different environmental conditions and a range of natural biotopes. We end with a brief look at some of the fish that will complete the display. Above all, this part of the book forms a vital resource of practical guidance that you can refer to at every stage of setting up and maintaining your aquarium. With a little time and patience, a stunning display aquarium is not difficult to achieve. You will find the result and rewards are well worth the effort involved.

The natural biology of plants

Although there are a few exceptions, plants in general do not consume other organisms to obtain the energy and the basic elements they need to live, grow and reproduce. Instead, they use the processes of photosynthesis to obtain energy, and absorb vital elements directly from the surrounding environment. This simplified way of life has allowed plants to thrive and spread in many habitats, becoming the basis of support for more complex organisms and food chains. Plants are producers rather than consumers; they ‘produce’ biological material rather than ‘consume’ it. Plants themselves are eaten by herbivorous animals, which in turn are consumed by predatory animals. Clearly, plants have an important place in the natural world as a provider of food sources; without them, the diverse range of animals would not survive.

Plants developed on land before venturing under water and although aquatic plants are highly adapted to the underwater environment, many of their physical attributes can be traced back to their terrestrial ancestry. Other attributes have been lost in the course of evolution; fine hairs used to trap moisture and stiff, strong stems to support leaves are not needed underwater.

Conversely, aquatic plants have developed certain less noticeable attributes to aid underwater survival. Many of these are based on the production of chemicals that ‘condition’ the substrate so that plants can take up nutrients, and chemicals used to protect against consumption by animals and competition from other plants (see page 88). Physical changes can also be seen in the development of complex leaf structures designed to maximise the amount of light received by the plant, allowing it to survive in harsh conditions underwater.

Looking at the biology and structure of aquatic plants, helps us to understand why certain conditions are needed in the aquarium if we want to keep aquatic plants successfully. A greater understanding of the functions of aquatic plants will also help to identify the causes and solutions to problems encountered when keeping plants in the aquarium.

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