There are different types of aquarium driftwood that come in many colors and shapes. Choosing the correct wood type and shape is imperative to a healthy and beautiful aquarium. Wood, rocks and stones form the basis of the aquarium hardscape. These are just 2 out of several plants offered by adds character to an aquarium. When considering placement of Anubias in a high tech, high light tank, find a spot that is well shaded. The leaves are susceptible to algae growth under more intense lighting. This plant prefers low to medium light and a fluorescent fixture such as the Wavepoint HO or an LED fixture like the Current USA Serene should serve it nicely. The leaves of the Anubias will grow more compact in a high light aquarium. They are both hardy and low-tech and should require high intensity lighting. Anubias grows in shady, dark areas and should be placed in your aquarium with this in mind. The plant was named after the Egyptian god of death, Anubis.

The lighting requirements for your new plant should be easy to provide. It is very hardy and should be able to tolerate salinity of up to 1.005ppt. It is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for plants that will thrive and grow in brackish water. It is one of the most popular aquatic plant species and a favorite for both experienced and beginner aquarists. Depending on the species, the leaves can vary in size from half and inch up to five inches long. The broad thick leaves are dark in color and come in many different forms. Found primarily in rivers and streams, Anubias is also found in marshy areas. Anubias on DriftwoodĪnubias, is a genus of the semi-aquatic/aquatic flowering plant from the family Araceae that is native to western and central Africa. Whatever tool you choose, your Java Fern will be happy in most conditions you can provide for it. A secondary option for monitoring pH would be a pH monitor/controller from Milwaukee or Pinpoint or a full-blown aquarium automation controller from Apex or Hydros. Some hobbyists have kept Java Fern in brackish water as well! Our favorite tools used to test water pH and hardness are made by Hanna.

In addition to being able to adapt to various lighting conditions, Java Fern can thrive in various water conditions from soft acidic water to harder, more alkaline conditions. It is regarded as a hearty, easy to care for aquatic plant that can tolerate most lighting conditions or setups. Typically, the leaves can grow to approximately 10-14 inches long and are thick in appearance.

The difference in geographic location influences the size and shape of the plant leaves. Leptochilus pteropus, Microsorum pteropus, or Java Fern is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and parts of China. One of the best plants for beginners is Java Fern. Now that you've decided on your substrate, it's time to start thinking about plants for your freshwater display aquarium. Other plants can be placed around the aquarium to grow through the branches and give your fish and invertebrates a place to live and hide just like they would in a natural habitat. Typically, plants will grow over specialty glue used. The monofilament can be removed once the plant attaches itself to the wood. Attach these plants to your driftwood using glue or monofilament line. When completing the aquascape with your perfect piece of driftwood, use various mosses or ferns that will grow onto the wood to create a more natural look.

Large fresh water drift wood