Part 7 of 11 Common Aquarium Plant and Coral Mistakes to Avoid

Your system is built and the hardscape is laid out.  Its time to make your underwater garden.  Lets learn what to do by avoiding common mistakes! Aquariums, whether freshwater or saltwater, bring a slice of nature into our homes. They offer a tranquil and captivating view of underwater life. However, maintaining a healthy and vibrant aquarium requires understanding and avoiding some common mistakes, especially when caring for freshwater plants or saltwater corals. Let's dive into some of these common pitfalls and how to prevent them.

Common Mistakes with Freshwater Aquarium Plants

1. Inadequate Lighting:

• Mistake: Providing too little or too much light.

• Solution: Research the lighting needs of your specific plants. Use appropriate lighting fixtures and maintain a consistent light schedule, usually 8-10 hours a day.  See week 3’s post for more details on lighting. 

2. Incorrect Planting Depth:

• Mistake: Planting too deep or too shallow.

• Solution: Plant roots just below the substrate surface, ensuring the crown of the plant is exposed.

3. Ignoring Nutrient Requirements:

• Mistake: Not providing essential nutrients.  New tank syndrome extends post cycle.  If there is little to no nitrates or phosphates freshwater will not thrive and can even die.  Your tank needs time to mature and build up acceptable levels of these nutrients the plants will feed off of.

• Solution: For freshwater use liquid fertilizers or root tabs to supply necessary nutrients like iron, potassium, and micronutrients. 

4. Improper Water Parameters:

• Mistake: Not monitoring pH, hardness, and temperature.

• Solution: Regularly test and adjust water parameters to match the needs of your plants or invertebrates. 

Common Mistakes with Saltwater Corals

1. Improper Acclimation:

• Mistake: Introducing corals too quickly.

• Solution: Use a drip acclimation method to gradually adjust corals to your tank’s water conditions.

2. Inadequate Water Flow:

• Mistake: Providing insufficient or excessive water flow.

• Solution: Research the flow requirements of your specific corals. Use adjustable powerheads or wave makers to create the right flow pattern.  Flow washes off detritus and brings nutrients to your corals.

3. Overlooking Calcium and Alkalinity:

• Mistake: Neglecting the calcium and alkalinity levels.

• Solution: Regularly test and maintain calcium (400-450 ppm) and alkalinity (8-12 dKH) within the recommended ranges. Alkalinity and keeping it stable is critical coral health. 

4. Overcrowding:

• Mistake: Placing too many corals too close together.

• Solution: Provide adequate space between corals to allow for growth and prevent competition.

The Importance of Nitrates and Phosphates

Nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates play a crucial role in the health of both freshwater plants and saltwater corals. However, understanding the timing and quantity is key to preventing issues.

Nitrates:

• Freshwater Plants: Require nitrates for growth, but excess can lead to algae blooms.

• Saltwater Corals: Low levels of nitrates are essential, but high levels can cause coral stress and promote algae growth.

Phosphates:

• Freshwater Plants: Needed in very small amounts, but high levels can also cause algae problems.

• Saltwater Corals: Similar to nitrates, low levels are beneficial, but excessive phosphates can harm corals and encourage algae.

Timing and Investment:

• Initial Phase: During the initial setup, minimal nitrates and phosphates will exist in the system. After the cycle you may have to supplement.  Use of fertilizers (for plants) or reef supplements (for corals) should be gradual.  Place only the hardiest plants or corals in the tank at this time.

• Growth Phase: As plants or corals begin to grow, increase nutrient levels cautiously.  You can start to experiment here, usually 8 months to a year after the initial setup levels build and constant water changes become necessary to maintain safe levels.

• Maintenance Phase: Regularly monitor and adjust nutrient levels to maintain a balance that supports healthy growth without encouraging algae.  A well established tank can support more challenging plants and corals after a year or more.

By avoiding these common mistakes and understanding the importance of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, you can create a thriving and visually stunning aquarium. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting, knowledge and vigilance are your best tools for success.

🐠🌿🐚 Enjoy your underwater paradise! 🌊✨