Once established, planted tanks require regular maintenance to look their best. The most important thing of all is frequent water changes. These water changes remove excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, from the water and reintroduce new ones, such as iron, which are required. Your fish will also appreciate the clean water. We perform weekly water changes of between 50% to 75% per week (remember to use a hose and not a bucket). However, hobbyists with other water supplies may not be as fortunate and will have to test what their fish can tolerate.
Well-established tanks with heavy plant growth may eventually require some trace element additives to replace essential micronutrients such as iron and manganese. Usually these are present in sufficient quantities in our tap water, but heavy plant growth may require extra supplements. The symptoms of a trace element shortage include yellow leaves, weak growth, and holes in the leaves. However, these problems can also be caused by poor lighting, poor water quality, snails, or plant-eating fish. Only a trace element additive specifically designed for aquarium use should be used.
Regular pruning will eventually be required as the plants become established. Old, damaged or dying leaves need to be removed and stem or floating plants cut back or thinned out to prevent them from hogging all the light. Certain bog plants, such as the Hygrophilia species also need to be regularly cut back and replanted to keep them from growing above the water. Pruning certain stem plants will also cause a doubling at each node so that thicker, better-looking plants will result. It is important to remember that a good aquascape always requires open space. It may take some willpower to thin out the necessary space, but a more attractive tank will result.
Finally, any exposed gravel should be siphoned clean on a regular basis. Dead leaves and other organic material accumulating along the bottom are a good substrate for fur algae.
