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Quick question?

What are the benifits or non-benifits of having a floating plant? I dont have one right now. I have 2 Cherry Barbs and two golden barbs.

20 GALLON LONG CURRENTLY EMPTY ~~~~ 10 GALLON W/ STRIPPED CONVICT

Hi,
Since your question is specifically about floating plants,
I'll limit my response to those.

Floating plants draw their nutrients directly from the
water, and will help limit the nitrates within the tank.
This, in turn can reduce, or eliminate, the growth of
algae.

Floating plants will form mats or thickets of stems and
leaves at the surface and provide shaded areas below them
for the fish. Very few fish are really "comfortable" out
in the open areas where they feel subject to attacks by
other animals and birds. Give them an area to swim in
that is in the clear, and a shaded area and they will be
more comfortable and show better coloration.

Floating plants provide cover for baby fish (fry).
They hide in, and among, the stems and leaves secure
(sort of) from the adult fish in the tank.

Floating plants provide can provide the foundation for
a bubble nest builder. They are more natural, and the
nests will be more stable, long lived, and secure.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Frank,

Thanks s much for your help. its nice to know that some people would take their time to write such an informative letter, your help is greatly appreciared. I will look into the floating plants!



Peter

20 GALLON LONG CURRENTLY EMPTY ~~~~ 10 GALLON W/ STRIPPED CONVICT

fish feel safer with floating plants, but it greatly decreases the light in the tank.