While you may think that the hardest part of designing an aquarium is over the moment you have picked out the best looking and most practical tank; that was only just the beginning.
From here on out, every little decision you make in regards to what types of flora and fauna you put in your tank will have an effect on the lifecycle of the fish, plants, and everything else in this miniaturized ecosystem.
From the plants to the coral to the size and density of the fish to what rocks and sand you use to how many invertebrates you accent your tank with everything will affect everything else.
For this reason, picking out the best plants for your tropical aquarium is of the utmost importance and should certainly not be taken lightly.
Since tropical aquariums are all salt water, you can start narrowing down your search for the perfect plants by eliminating all plants that are fresh water only.
A great way to search for plants for a beginner aquarium lover is to narrow down the amount of plants little by little until there are just ten or twenty different options to choose from.
Another great way to shrink down the number of plants you can choose from is by look. There is no sense in choosing a plant with a look that you do not necessarily approve of, so be sure to cross a few plants off of your list that may not be what you are looking for.
In the hunt for the perfect floral options, also look for plants that will be able to provide your tank with something special.
Maybe a plant will be efficient at taking up carbon dioxide and can take some of the strain off of your gas exchanging pumps.
Alternatively, maybe another plant will be effective at fighting off algae growth and may also provide a secondary source of food for one or two species of your tropical fish.
As you can see, there are certainly a variety of factors to consider when looking for a perfect plant for your tropical aquarium.
Perhaps the best way to find great information on aquatic plants of all sorts is the Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants.
This book is heralded as a gold mine of information for people who are building their own aquariums.
From freshwater to saltwater plants, everything is covered and contains quick facts and photographs of each and every species of plant which you can buy for your tank.
Recommended by professional fish tank owners and first-time builders like this book is a must-read if you are at all interested in adding plants to your home aquarium.
Along with the A to Z listing of plants, there is even a handy guide to help amateurs pick out the best and most hardy plants for the first time fish tank owner.
At less than twenty dollars for this amazing source of information, this book is necessary for anyone who has ever thought about adding plants to their tropical aquarium.
