Angelfish are very beautiful and they are extremely popular creatures. To keep your angelfish healthy and happy and to add beauty to the tank, what are the best aquarium plants that will be suitable for your angelfish in order to keep them free from other diseases? Let’s learn about the freshwater aquarium plants that could be suitable for your angelfish.
In this guide on the best aquarium plants for Angelfish you will learn:
- How to choose aquarium plants
- The different types of aquarium plants
- The best mid and background aquarium plants
Let’s get started.
These are the best plants for Angelfish:
The angelfish tank should be dominated by Amazon Sword, Water Sprite, Water Lettuce, Java Fern, Anubias, Ambulia, and Cryptocoryne wendtii. these are recommended plants for angelfish habitats.
Are you looking to create a healthy and visually appealing environment for your angelfish aquarium? You may want to consider adding live plants! Live aquarium plants can make your tank look more natural and beneficial for your aquatic pets. They can provide a hiding place, reduce stress levels, increase oxygenation, and even aid in filtration. But what are the best aquarium plants for your angelfish? Well, let me share some tips on how to choose the right ones that suit your fish tank and fish.
7 Best Aquarium Plants for Angelfish
Amazon Sword
One of the essential plants for a freshwater aquarium is the Amazon sword, especially during breeding periods. It’s suitable for angelfish, as angelfish originate from the Amazon River too. The leaves of this plant are perfect for angelfish to lay eggs on.
Amazon swords grow very tall and could even reach up to 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) if the conditions provided for their growth are proper. These plants perform well in moderate lighting[1]. However, with the bright lights and increase in carbon dioxide, they grow rapidly.
If you want to plant an Amazon sword in the right manner, ensure that you root the plant in the substrate. The roots of this plant are heavy, and it requires more nutrients in the soil. You can also provide them with root tabs.
Also, check: Why is my angel fish laying on the bottom
Water Sprite
The second most popular plant when it comes to keeping angelfish is water sprite. This plant is recommended by many aquarists, mainly angelfish keepers. This plant is the most selected because it can grow thick and is composed of many fine leaves. Their leaves don’t bother angelfish swimming through. It is also perfect for angelfish to hide and get some privacy while laying eggs.
Water Sprite can grow tall, and it can reach up to 33 centimeters, i.e., 13 inches. However, you should maintain the proper water parameters to grow this plant, and fortunately, it requires the same water parameters as angelfish. This plant grows slowly, but the right conditions can make its growth rapid and real.
According to research[1], you must have a thick bunch of water sprite when it comes to breeding angelfish. And if you combine it with the Amazon Sword, nothing could be better than it.
If you are worried about why Angelfish stays In corner then check this good research article we have also included a guide so that you can take care accordingly.
Water lettuce
The plant that keeps the water clean and healthy for fish is the water lettuce plant. You can add these floating plants if your angelfish has grown fully and swims around freely. Water lettuce roots feel like blankets for your angelfish. Additionally, it gives them a sense of safety. It’s a short plant and can grow up to 2.5 to 15 centimeters, i.e., 1 to 6 inches.
You’ll need aquarium lights to keep the water lettuce alive. Also, add liquid fertilizer so that there are more nutrients in the aquarium water. Floating plants (according to the Journal of Emerging Investigators read PDF) do not prefer fast currents; they are better left alone to grow.
However, there are many options when it comes to floating plants for aquariums. Most people go for water lettuce, as it is easily available.
Java Fern
The extremely popular and all-rounder plant is Java fern. It is perfect for beginners as it requires simple care. This plant’s growth is slow and it grows up to 35 centimeters, i.e., 14 inches. Most angelfish keepers prefer this plant to keep.
However, for an angelfish, the thin and hardy leaves are better for them. as they can lay eggs on them. Additionally, the bushy growth of the plant makes the angelfish swim, and they love it. Java fern provides a huge cover, which makes angelfish live happily.
Also, read: why do Angelfish need hiding places in tank?
Anubias
Anubias plants are very popular. They have sturdy and thick leaves, and due to this, angelfish can easily lay eggs on them. However, angelfish cannot swim as the leaves and stems are thick, but that’s not a big deal. Their growth rate is low and they can grow up to 5 to 10 centimeters, i.e., 2 to 4 inches.
They are preferable as their mode of care is very simple, and they don’t require bright lights, additional carbon dioxide, or fertilizer as they grow slowly. They perform well in shaded areas or under low lights. They may collect algae over time as they grow slowly.
Very few plants flower underwater, and Anubias is one of those. Hence, Anubias is the best choice for an aquarium.
Ambulia
This bushy, bright green, and beautiful plant is Ambulia. It has more requirements than the previously mentioned plants. Ambulia has a very iconic look. This plant grows at the top of the tank.
For the proper growth of this plant, you need to add more carbon dioxide to your water, as the carbon dioxide that is already present in your tank is not sufficient for the plant to grow. It grows over 40 centimeters, i.e. 16 inches.
The growth rate of Ambulia is very fast. Hence, you need to add liquid fertilizer in order to increase the growth rate.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
The easiest aquarium plant for beginners is crypts. And the genus C. wendtii is one of the best of the crypts. These are generally green or bronze.
wendtii grows in soft as well as hard water. The lighting environment makes them perform well. They grow up to 15 to 20 centimeters, i.e., 6 to 8 inches. They also require additional fertilizer and carbon dioxide supplementation. However, their growth rate declines if you fail to provide them with the requirements for proper growth.
There is a drawback to this plant in that occasionally it decays rapidly, sometimes below the rhizome. To not let this happen, you should avoid shifting them or changing water conditions, which may also lead to the decay of the plant. Hence, you have to think carefully before planting crypts.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Aquarium Plants for Angelfish
When looking for the best aquarium plants for angelfish, consider the following factors:
Temperature Requirements:
Angelfish are tropical fish and they require warmer water temperatures to thrive. I suggest you select plants that can handle the warmer water temperatures. Plants like Java Fern or Amazon Sword are excellent options that can tolerate warmer water.
Light Requirements:
Plants require light to grow and thrive. Some plants need high light, while others require low to medium light for proper growth. Before selecting plants, you should research the lighting requirements of each plant you are considering to make sure that it will receive adequate light in your aquarium.
Size and growth rate:
When choosing plants for your angelfish, you should consider the size of your tank and the space that each plant will occupy. Some aquarium plants can grow quite large and may quickly overtake your tank, while others remain compact in size. Additionally, you should also keep in mind the growth rate of the plant to prevent overcrowding in your tank.
Nutrient demands:
Each aquarium plant has different nutrient requirements. Some plants can grow well without additional nutrients, while others may require additional fertilizers to grow properly. These needs should be considered when choosing the best plants for your angelfish.
Tips to Keep Your Aquarium Healthy and Beautiful
Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing plants, you will need to know how to plant and maintain them in your aquarium. Here are some tips to help you achieve healthy and beautiful plants in your aquarium:
Preparing the substrate:
First, choose an appropriate substrate that is designed for aquarium use. Rinse this thoroughly and add a layer to the bottom of your tank to provide nutrients for your plants.
Proper planting techniques:
Remove any dead leaves from the plants and bury the roots gently in the substrate. Be careful not to bury the plants too deep, as this can lead to stunted growth or death. Finally, fill your tank with water carefully, ensuring that the plants remain firmly planted.
Maintenance:
Keep up with maintaining good water quality to ensure healthy plant growth in your tank. Ensure proper lighting and nutrient levels, remove dead leaves or clippings from the plants, and perform regular water changes to prevent excess waste buildup in the aquarium.
Conclusion
Selecting the best plants for your angelfish aquarium can have a significant impact on the health and happiness of your aquatic pets, as well as create a visually pleasing and calming environment for you to enjoy. With the right plants, you can create a natural ecosystem that promotes the overall well-being of your angelfish while making your aquarium look stunning.
By following our recommended tips and exploring the variety of plants available, you can establish a thriving and attractive aquarium that you and your angelfish will love.
