Plants
When we imagine an aquatic habitat, we cannot help but visualize the underwater plants which are not only beautiful but also play the role of oxygen providers to aquatic animals. Similarly, in an aquarium also, presence of plants makes it look real and also helps the species living in the water by supplying oxygen through the process of photosynthesis where they absorb Carbon Dioxide of the water and give out oxygen. Plants are also sometimes benefitted from the fishes. Plants and fish are a natural combination. If they are kept together, they are going to mutually benefit from each others presence. Besides oxygen supply, plants are helpful in creating the normal environment and home for the fishes, as well as helping keep the aquarium pollution free and safe for the fishes to live.
It is indeed a dilemma to keep real or artificial plants since both have their pros and cons. Real plants are extremely useful for helping plant adapt to the aquarium environment but they can die out and it is a huge hassle to maintain them. Whereas although the artificial plants do not contribute to the general well being of the fishes, they are easy to maintain and can stay attached to the substrate for longer periods without any kind of attention.
In most cases the real plants are preferred because they have visual appeal as well as other advantages like keeping the algal growth under check etc. They are more helpful if you ignore the beauty aspect of the plants in the aquarium.
Sometimes, a method is used where appropriate conditions for the fishes are created before introducing the fishes. It is done by using real plants and getting them attached to the substrate before introducing the fish. The plants get going with its natural processes and thereby already create the habitat for the fishes to be brought in. The Carbon Dioxide levels are reduced and oxygen level is increased and its easier for the fishes to adapt when they are introduced into the aquarium. Thus, we can say that a properly planned and maintained aquarium in something which is uniquely beautiful and truly a work of art.
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