I want to start to put plant in my Marine tank what are some major points i should know?

Question

and any thing else i need to know

Answer 1

Most of the plants you'll be putting in a marine tank are algaes - there are a few "seagrasses" and mangroves that aren't classified as algae. They all need good lighting and like the pH on the higher side (around 8.4). If you're using halimeda or merman's shaving brush, you might need to use a calcium supplement for them to grow well (this is also good for coraline algae if you've got live rock).

If any of the ones you're using is a type of caulerpa, keep them trimmed back. Otherwise they'll overgrow the tank. And keep the water temperature below 84o. If they overheat, or get too long, the plant cell erupt and it releases a mild toxin into the tank. If you've got good filtration or add carbon quickly enough, there shouldn't be any major damage.

On the positive side, macroalgae is a great way to remove some of the excess nutrients from the water to keep undesirable algae or cyanobacteria in check. It provides some snacking material for your herbivores and omnivores, it can become a spawning site for fish or invertebrates, and the inverts can be a supplemental food for the fish. Plants add oxygen to the water and remove carbon dioxide, and this can help elevate your pH. If you're using plants in the sump as an algae scrubber, alternate the times that the sump and tank lights are on for a more consistant pH level in the tank.

See this website for links to info about marine algaes (both good and nuisance types, and their control), mangroves, seagrasses, identification, and use in the aquaria: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marinvind1.htm
And this on for some photos, plus info on the fish and inverts that eat nuisance algae: http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm

Answer 2

If you get live plants in your marine tank (freshwater) then think about putting a couple of algae eating fish in your tank as well. Just remember you need a balanced system. Live plants mean more oxygen, but you don't want to throw off the ecosystem.

Answer 3

First of all, there are no such things as marine saltwater water plants. The kelp, seaweed, and other producers of the sea are algae clumped together (but there are freshwater plants). They're VERY beneficial 'cause they provide oxygen for all the creatures and food for fish like tangs. You need to make sure that the algae has direct sunlight, so it could go through photosynthesis.

Answer 4

Your marine tank "plants" are actually macro algae. Seaweed essentially. You can get many differant types and they are all good for your tank. They are very good for balancing out your aquarium. They absorb nitrates and phosphates which will remove nutrients preventing bad algae growth. One thing to consider is the seaweed, plants or macro algae, whatever you call it, can gro very fast and take over a tank. You will need to pull out parts of it to keep it under control or get a natural predetor to keep it in check. Good luck I have many differant ypes of macroalgae(or plants) in my reef tanks. They really are worth having.

Answer 5

Don't put to much plants.If you have a big tank put 3-5 plants.If you have a small tank put 1-3 plants.Put the plants apart.

Answer 6

Don't grow plants!!! Just use a wave machine... It will move the water around, And you wont get coated with some poison everytime you stick your hand in the tank

Answer 7

I haven't seen a whole lot of plants that you can put in a salt-water tank... brackish yes, marine no...

Answer 8

Good points-
-plants are a natural source of oxygen
-fish can nibble on it if you dont feed it
Bad points-
-Easier to grow algae

get a banana plant!

Answer 9

Listen to Brian and Copperhead... they are both spot on

(reefer for 15 years)