notes updated in august 2008

8/6/2019 Notes Updated in August 2008

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INTRODUCTION TO LATEST TECHNIQUES OF AQUARIUM

KEEPING

Setting up an aquarium is not just a matter of putting in a tank the few basic requirements of fish that

are to live in it. An aquarium should be a thing of beauty and satisfying recreation of fish's natural

environment created by using aquarium plants driftwoods and natural stones. Todays aquariums has

evolved to be a miniature forest where flora & fauna co-exist in confined space & in a balance

environment. Aquarium technology has also made huge developments & now we have hi-tech

Filtration systems, C02 Systems, illuminations systems & Fertilization systems to create a balance

aquarium.

FRESH WATER ECOSYSTEM

Combination of three different types of habitats forms Fresh Water Ecosystem. They are as

follows:

1. Flowing water River & Stream form the Flowing water Habitat

Streams are small in size & are generally present only during wet season, whereas rivers are

huge in size & usually do not dry out completely during dry season though they may shrink in

size considerably.

2. Still water Ponds & Lake form the Still water Habitat

Ponds are small & they generally dry out completely during dry seasons where as lakes are

very very large compare to ponds & usually has water during dry season also. They also

shrink in size considerably during dry season.

3. Wetlands Swamps & Marshes form the Wetlands

Swamps are bogy areas of fresh water ecosystem & are flooded with water. Whereas marshes

are low-lying land which remains water logged. They both form the shore line of fresh water

ecosystem.

FOOD WEB OF ECOSYSTEM:

PLANT

HERBIVOROUS

OMNIVOROUS CARNIVOROUS

As shown in the diagram plants are primary producers & serve as basis of Food Web. Role of aquatic

plants in fresh water Eco System is so vital that survival of other aquatic creatures which also include

fishes solely depend on its existence as plants are the only one who produces food by the process of

photosynthesis. They provide food to herbivorous. In turn herbivorous become prey to carnivorous &

omnivorous. Omnivorous get their food by preying herbivorous as well as form plants.

Apart from this plants are major source of oxygen for aquatic fauna including fishes. They also absorbcarbon-dioxide produced by aquatic animals through respiration.

Plants also clean water by absorbing west material which are introduced in ecosystem by aquatic

animals through their excreta as well as dead & decaying organic matter.

Thus plants are crucial for maintaining the biological equilibrium of Fresh water ecosystem.

Natural Water Cycle of Ecosystem:

In an ecosystem water is continuously recycle through evaporation & precipitation in the form of rain.

Evaporated water from River, lakes & Ocean as well as water vapour from respiration & perspiration


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of animal & plants goes in sky. This is pure water without any contamination & dose not has salt or

minerals.

In the sky water vapour condenses & form clouds. When cloud breaks in rain water again come back

down that time it react with carbon-dioxide & nitrogen oxide from atmosphere & become mildly acidic

because of carbonic acid, but still it does not contain any minerals or salt.

After reaching earth some water get absorbed in ground & pass through sediments resulting in leaching

of minerals & salts. This mineral & salts rich water get back to fresh water ecosystem through

underground currents. Whereas water which flows through ground react with organic west from ground

& collect humic acids. This in turn forms streams & rivers which are connected to ponds & lakes while

remaining water flows back to sea.

Thus fresh water ecosystem is periodically provided with fresh water supply & supply of nutrients for

plants (salts, mineral & humic acid).

Nitrogen Cycle of Ecosystem:

In fresh water ecosystem natural process of nitrogen cycle convert the dangerous ammonia formed by

excreta of aquatic animals as well as dead & decaying organic matter into less toxic substance such as

nitrate, which are used by plants as food.

Large numbers of micro-organisms are present in fresh water ecosystem & they are one who converts

ammonia to nitrates. Nitrifying bacteria (such as Nitrosomanas species) combine ammonia with oxygen

in water to form slightly less toxic nitrites (N02). Further bacteria such as Nitrobacter species continue

the cycle; with addition of the further oxygen, nitrites are converted into even less harmful nitrates

(N03). The plentiful supply of oxygen in water is essential if the helpful bacteria are to survive &

multiply. In absence of oxygen anaerobic bacteria cause denitrification & convert nitrates again back to

ammonia.

This process of nitrogen cycle is the biological filtration of fresh water ecosystem where micro-

organism filter out toxic ammonia from water & convert it to less harmful nitrates which are in turn

used by aquatic plants as food.

Apart from this sediments of dead organic waste which are accumulated at the based of habitat, when

get decomposes by micro-organism; in process lot of carbon-dioxide also get release which dissolve inwater & in turn used by plants as food.

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Imagine how artificial it will be to keep fishes without plants in an aquarium. A properly planted

aquarium becomes a natural home to fish. With the help of latest technology it is easy to deploy

Aquarium Ecology Techniques for maintaining harmony & equilibrium in aquarium.

Regular partial water change & Hi-tech fertilization system provides periodic fresh water & nutrients

supply to aquarium just like that of natural water cycle of fresh water ecosystem. Hi-tech Filtration

system along with plants provides healthy nitrogen cycle & effective biological filtration. Hi-techillumination system ensure plants get proper light for effective photosynthesis & C02 system ensure

that adequate carbon-dioxide supply will be available to plants to complete photosynthesis process.

To simulate fishs natural habitat in an aquarium, aquarium are scientifically divided into different

types from which you can select the best one to suits your needs.

There are two major categories of aquariums

I) Aquarium ponds

2) Aquarium tanks

AQUARIUM PONDS:

Aquarium Ponds are also known as water gardens and are generally set at ground level, to view from

above. They are broadly divided into five different types.

a.General or Mixed Ponds - Those big Ponds accommodate more then one type of fish and also

wide variety of plants. Generally they have the water capacity of 3000 to 5000 liters.

b.Koi Pools - They are generally huge in size & incorporate bog-plants around the Pond edge

with few marginal and surface plants. Koi Pool should have minimum size of atleast 10,000

liters but preferably should be larger.

c.Goldfish Ponds - Those moderate size Ponds accommodate different varieties of Goldfish and

also selection of plants. Generally they have the water capacity of 1000 to 2000 liters.

d.Wildlife Ponds - In theory Wildlife Ponds is one built entirely from natural material and

containing only animals and plant native to the area. In practice, though, such ponds are

compromises, which fall short of this definition. But they are far different then Mixed, Koi

& Goldfish Ponds. Generally they have the water capacity of 3000 to 5000 liters.

e.Small water features - This can be anything from old ceramic kitchen Sink to striking glazed

ceramic planting pot, adopted to take small fish, plants & some accessories like small

fountain.

Streams, Waterfalls & Cascades:

Multiple ponds can be interconnected with each other with Streams, Waterfalls & Cascades

Streams: Streams are patches of slow moving water.

Waterfalls: Waterfall is a stream of water falling from height.

Cascades: A cascades is fast moving water through stones & rocks.


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PLANTS FOR AQUARIUM PONDS:

Plants, which are used to decorate the above ponds, are divided in six different segments. They are as

follows:

1.Bog-plants - These are moisture loving plants are grown around the edges of ponds.

Species such as Hemerocallis (Day lily), Hosta, Dracaena, Dieffenbachia and

Hemigraphis are some examples of the bog plants.

2.Shallow water marginal plants - Those are plants, which are grown in shallow water

around the ponds edge in less, then 6 inches depth of water. Species such as Typha,

Cyperus, Iris and Sagittaria are some examples of the Shallow water Marginal plants.

3.Deep water Marginal Plants - Those are plant, which are grown in comparatively deep

water around the Ponds edge in more then 6 inches depth of water. Species such as

Echinodorus, Bacopa, Ludwigia and Ammannia are some examples of the Deep

Water marginal plants.

4.Surface Plants - Those plants have their roots firmly anchored in deep substratum and

leaves are floating on surface. Species such as Nymphaea (water lily), Nuphar (water

lily) and Nelumbo (Lotuses) are some examples of the surface plants.

5.Floating plants - Those have leaves that are buoyant and rest on water surface whereas

roots hanging in mid water. Species such as Lemma, Echhornia, Pistia and Azolla are

some examples of the floating plants.

6.Submerged plants - They are also called as oxygenators and are vital members of pond

plants community. Species such as Ceratophyllum, Egeira, Hydrilla and Vallisneria

are some examples of the Submerged plants.

POPULAR POND FISHES:

Goldfish: Carassius auratus

All Goldfish varieties belong to this single Species & there are over 600 varieties. Most of the

goldfish variety grows upto 12 inches. There are few smaller varieties but they also grew upto 8

inches.

Few of the most popular varieties of Goldfish are: - Bubble Eye, Celestial, Comet, Hama Nishiki,

Jikin, Lionhead, Oranda, Pearlscale, Phoenix, Ranchu, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Tamasaba, TelescopeEye, Tosakin, Veiltail, Wakin.

Koi: Cyprinus carpio

All Koi varieties belong to this single Species & there are 14 major classes in Koi. However apart

from Kohaku, Sanke & Showa, all other class have many varieties. All Koi varieties grow upto

36 inches. Thats why they required huge ponds.

Few of the most popular varieties of Koi are as follows:-

2. Kohaku: White Koi with Red Marking

3. Sanke: White Koi with Red & Black Marking

4. Showa: Black Koi with Red & White Marking

5. Utsurimono: Black Koi with White, Red or Yellow Marking

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6. Bekko : Black Sanke Type Marking on White, Red or Yellow base

7. Asagi : Koi Showing Bluish Back with Reticulated Scale Pattern

8. Koromo :Robed Red Coloration overlaid with Blue or Black

9. Kawarimono: Class of all nonmetallic Koi not included in any other group

10. Hikarimuji: Class of Single Colour Metallic Koi

11. Hikarimoyo: Class of Multi Colour Metallic Koi

12. KinGinRin: Koi with highly Reflective Gold & / or Silver Scale

13. Tancho : Circular Red on head, no other red on body

OTHER POND FISHES:These are variety of fishes which are also kept in Pond

1. Chinese Sailfin Sucker - Myxocyprinus asiaticus

2. Sucker - Pterygoplichthys Species

3. Molly - Poecilia Species

4. Guppy - Poecilia Species

5. Platy - Xiphophorus Species

6. Swordtail - Xiphophorus Species

POND HARDWARE:

In artificial pond to Maintain Water Quality Various Specialize Filtration System are developed

to take care of Nitrogen Cycle

1) Single Chamber Pond Filter: They are used in small pond such as Goldfish Pond &

made up of submersible Motor, a UV Unit & a Single Chamber filter.

2) Multichamber Pond Filter: They are used in big to large Ponds like General Pond &

Koi Pool. They have a high capacity of submersible motor, Multiple Chamber Filter

3) An Electronic Blanketweed controller: This device passes random Electrical pulse in

the water which moves towards the filter from pond to control blanketweed.

4) UV Sterilizer: This device passes UV light through water which moves towards filterfrom pond to control green water.

5) Surface Skimmer: This is a device which keeps surface of pond water clean by

removing floating particulars & avoiding formation of any layers on the water surface.

6) Submersible Pump with Float Switch: This is specialized Pump which turns on & off

automatically depending on water level.

7) Sand Pressure Filters: They are typically used for swimming pools but can be used in

aquarium ponds. They are effective in removing fine particles & enhancing water clarity

but regular back washing is essential to keep system running effectively.

8) Venturi: It is piece of equipment which is design by Italian G B Venturi. It injects air

into water by causing thousands of tiny bubble therefore very effective in oxygenation of

Koi pool.

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AQUARIUM TANKS:

These are glass aquarium, which are view from side. They are mainly of two types:

1.Species Tanks

2.Community Tanks

SPECIES TANKS

In species tank you first select a particular species of Fish and then you design your aquarium

accordingly to suite that particular species of fish. These are for experienced aquarist who has enough

knowledge of that particular species of fish and plants suitable with that species. There are following

type of species tanks.

1. Species tank for African Cichlidis

2. Species tank for American Cichlids

3. Species tank for Arowana and other large growing fishes

SPECIES TANK FOR AFRICAN CICHLIDIS:

There are two large lakes in Africa namely Lake Tanganyika & Lake Malawi

1. Tanganyikan Cichlids Tank:

Majority of Tanganyikan Cichlids grow upto 3-6 inches with few exceptions. They prefer hard

water & mild alkaline pH. Compare to other African Cichlids, these are compatible with more

variety of plants.

Few example Of Tanganyikan Cichlids are - Julidochromis ornatus, Julidochromis transcriptus,

Neolamprologus leleupi, Neolamprologus brichardi, Neolamprologus tretocephalus.

2. Lake Malawi Cichlids Tank:

They are also known as Mbuna (Rockfish). Majority of Malawi Cichlids belongs to Mbuna

variety. Ideally Mbuna are best kept in harems of single male & several female, one species to a

tank. In practice however they are maintain as a mixed species community of cichlids.

Few example Of Malawi Cichlids are - Cyrtocara moorii, Pseudotropheus Species (Mbuna),

Labidochromis zebroides (Mbuna), Aulonocara maylandi.

SPECIES TANK FOR AMERICAN CICHLIDS:

American Cichlids have been divided into two Groups namely Central American Cichlids & South

American Cichlids.

1. Central American Cichlids:

They are large growing cichlids; most of variety grow upto 8 to 12 inches. They have tendency of

shifting sand in enormous amount & uprooting the plants with weak rooting system.

Few example Of Central American Cichlids are - Red Spotted Cichlid (Cichlasoma bifaseiatum),

Midas Cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum), Black Belt Cichlid (Cichlasoma maculicauda),

Redheaded Cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum),

2. South American Cichlids:

They are also known as Dwarf Cichlids. They prefer soft & mild acidic water. Dwarf Cichlids are

most suitable cichlids to keep with plants, infact they show their best coloration in densely planted

aquarium.

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Few example Of South American Cichlids are Agassizs Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma

agassizii), Banded Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma bitaeniata), Apistogramma hongsloi, Blue

Apistogramma (Apistogramma trifasciata).

PLANTS FOR CICHLIDS AQUARIUM:Best plants for Cichlids Aquarium are the robust plants with tough leathery leaves as they

generally ignore by cichlids. Plants that either taste rather unpleasant or grow rapidly can be used

in less aggressive varieties of cichlids.

Best suitable variety of plants for Cichlids Aquarium are -Anubias barteri barteri, Anubias barteri

Coffeefolia, Anubias barteri nana, Anubias lanceolata, Aponogeton rigidifolius, Bolbitis

heudelotii, Crinum calamistratum, Crinum natans, Crinum thaianum, Cryptocoryne cordata

blassii, Cryptocoryne usteriana, Cyperus helferi, Echinodorus Rose, Echinodorus

uruguayensis, Echinodorus uruguayensis horemanii , Echinodorus uruguayensis horemanii Rot,

Microsorum pteropus, Microsorum pteropus Tropica, Microsorum pteropusWindelov.

Other Varieties of plant suitable with less aggressive varieties of cichlids such as Tanganyikan

Cichlids are - Ceratophyllum species, Ceratopteris species. Cryptocoryne species such as C.

ciliate, C.crispatula balansae, C.crispatula retrospiralis, C.lutea, C.parva, C.pontederiifolia,

C.undulate, C.wendtii, C.x willisii , C.x willisii "lucens". Echinodorus species such as E. x

barthii, E. bleheri, E. bolivianus , E. osiris, E. 'Ozelot', E. parviflorus, E. parviflorus 'Tropica', E.

'Rubin' ,

E. 'Rubin' var. lancifolius.

SPECIES TANK FOR AROWANA:

It is myth that Arowana cannot be maintained in planted tanks. Only the care has to be taken while

aquascaping, that you should design your aquarium in such a way that your Arowana should get

plenty of swimming space.

There are three types of Arowana- American Arowana, Asian Arowana & Australian Arowana.

American Arowana: There are two Species of American Arowana Silver Arowana

(Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) & Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai)

Asian Arowana: There are four varieties of Asian Arowana. They all belong to one species.Scleropages formosus - Green Arowana, Golden Arowana, Red Tail Golden Arowana & Red

Arowana

Australian Arowana: There are two Species of Australian Arowana Pearl Arowana

(Scleropages jardini) & Spotted Barramudi (Scleropages leichardtii).

PLANTS FOR AROWANA TANKS:

Major portion of Arowana tanks should be covered with lawn forming plants or short plants. Tall

plant should be planted only in background. Plants requiring less maintenance are the best plants

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for Arowana tanks.

For example lawn forming plants for foreground are: Dwarf Chain Sword (Echinodorus

bolivianus), Pygmy Chain Sword (Echinodorus tenellus), Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata),

Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana)- Java Moss will be ideal for foreground as it requires very little

maintenance.

For Background all tall plants used in cichlids tanks are good candidates, Anubias barteri varieties

are short & required less maintenance so they can be consider as best plants for foreground so are

the short Cryptocoryne.

SPECIES TANK FOR OTHER FISHES WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE

GROUP:

Other large growing fishes as well as large African cichlids can be maintained in the same

aquascape as Central American Cichlids tank. As well as Dwarf African Cichlids can be maintain

in same aquascape as South American Cichlids

COMMUNITY TANKS

In community tanks different species of fishes and plants co-exist in harmony. There are mainly two

types of community tanks. Hi - Tech planted aquarium and Low - Tech planted aquarium.

1. Low - Tech Planted Aquarium

This simple method to create a community tank is developed by a lady called Diana Walstad. Low

Tech planted Aquariums are comparatively easy & inexpensive to install and maintain. Thus theyare ideal for beginners

2. Hi- Tech Planted Aquarium

In Hi- Tech aquarium you take help of latest technology in whichever way you can to create very

balance aquarium with optimum conditions. They are very expensive to install and maintain and

also required expert attention. They are following three types.

a.Dutch Aquarium - These are European style of planted aquarium and are like

underwater gardens.

b.Nature Aquarium - These are Japanese Type of Aquarium and are inspired by Nature.

c.Paludarium - These aquariums are inspired by a shore -line of an ecosystem and

features combination of above and below water environments.

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4. Water conditioner

In most impressive Nature & Dutch Aquarium everything is maintain at optimum level, this

also include water temperature of Aquarium which is made possible by using water

conditioners. They are external devices just like your external filter.

5. Other Accessories

a) Timer They are used to control your illumination system & Semi Automatic CO2

system

b) ELCB- It is used for safety.

TIPS TO SET-UP AND MAINTAIN LOW TECH AQUARIUMS

Selecting Aquarium Size :

While choosing size of tanks there are certain factors to be considered. Medium to large size tanks has

considerable stable environment and thus they are easy to maintain as compared to small tanks. By

considering various factors I will recommend a medium and large size aquarium of following

dimensions-

Medium Size Tanks (L X W X H) - 27" X 15" X 18"

Large Size Tanks (L X W X H) - 51" X 18" X 18"

Illumination:

Choosing the right spectrum of the light is always critical to promote plant growth. Florescent Tubes

are ideal in illuminating Aquarium if used in proper combination. Photosynthesis activity of plants is

maximum in blue and orange red spectrum of visible light. So combination of tubes producing white

lights and tubes producing more of blue, orange red and green light (Tri Power Light) is ideal for

illumination.

For above medium size of tank two 20 watts Tri Power lamps with one 18 watts white light tube in

center will provide good illumination.

While large tanks will require two 36 watts of white light tubes with one 40 watts tri power lamps in

center.

Substrate:

Plants to prosper in an aquarium require two things from Substrate, a constant source of nutrients and

good anchoring medium. In order to achieve this objective we must adopt two layer strategy.

The two layers substrate has one-inch bottom layer of laterite mixed with small amount peat. Laterite is

red colour soil rich in iron oxide. This bottom layers will provide constant sources of nutrients to

aquarium plants.

The top layer should be made of pure gravel about 3 -5 mm in diameter. This 2 inch top layer will

provide good anchoring medium for aquarium plants.

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Filtration :

An Ideal filtration system will be able to facilitate both mechanical and biological filtration. A modern

self-priming Canister Filters has many advantages over traditional design and are ideal for planted

tanks. Since underground filter are not used in planted tanks if internal filter is used then care should be

taken to check that it has sufficient filter medium to provide effective biological filtration.

Apart from this filtration facilitate water movement and majority of Aquatic plants grow in flowing

water in their natural habitant. Water movement will also help to keep nutrients in contact with leaves.

For above medium size of Aquarium ideal filtration rate will be in between 200 - 300 liters per hour.

While for large size tank the ideal filtration rate will be in between 500 - 700 liters per hour.

Water Chemistry;

When we think of water chemistry two things has to be consider water hardness and pH.

Water Hardness - It is determine by amount of salts of alkaline earth metals (principally calcium and

magnesium) dissolve in water. They are present in ion forms. Water hardness is measured in either

ppm (Part per million) or in GH which is a German scale.

Low Tech Aquarium should have water hardness of 4 -7 GH or 75 to 125 ppm.

pH - It is hydrogen ion concentration in a scale of 0 - 14 which figures how acid or alkaline water is.

At 7-pH value water is neutral. Below 7-pH value water becomes acidic. Similarly above 7- pH value

water becomes alkaline.

Low Tech Aquarium should have pH in between 6.5 -7.4, though slightly acidic pH is recommended.

Aquascaping :

Aquascaping require fair knowledge of Aquarium plants and material for decoration such as bogwood

and different type of stone.

Bogwoods - They are also called as driftwood and are available in different shapes and sizes. They

can be collected from the nature may be a aged roots or worm infested perforate piece of wood can

be used after soaking in water for few days till unwanted elements such as tannin and salt deposits

are removed from it. Ready to use Bogwoods are also available now they are African Black,

Herero

& Mopani.

Stones - Any inert stones like basalt, quartz, slate, granite,Lava Stone and sandstones can besafely used in Aquascaping. Avoid lime-stone as it influences water chemistry of an Aquarium.

Plants - When aquascaping plants should be arrange on basis of their full-grown size and growth

habit. For convenience tanks should be divided into three parts. Fore ground, middle ground &

back ground.

a.Fore Ground - short plants should be selected to decorate the fore ground.

Carpet forming plants such as Echinodorus quadricostatus (broad leaf Chain Sword) and

Sagittaria subulata (Dwarf Sagittaria) as well as Annubias nana (Dwarf Annubias) are

some of the good plants for Fore Ground.

b.Middle Ground - In mid ground select Stem plants which are slow in their growth habit like

species of Bacopa, Alternanthera roseafolia (Red Hygrophila). Rosette plants like

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Aquarium plants

What makes an aquarium a center of attraction in your home? Brightly coloured fish are not the only

attraction but richly & diversely coloured abundant varieties of aquarium plants also catch viewers

eye.

Apart from this aquarium plants produced oxygen and absorbed the carbon dioxide produced by fish.

They also released small amount of oxygen in area surrounding roots thus keeping substrate

oxygenated &healthy.Aquarium plants also clean water by absorbing the waste materials, which are introduced to an

aquarium by fish through their excreta and left over food.

Thus plants make substantial contribution to creation of a stable environment for your fish within the

aquarium.

Botany

1) Plant structure

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2) Leaf shape

a. Linear

b. Lanceolate

c.Elliptic d. Ovate

e..Reniform

f. Spathulate

g.Sagittate h.Pinnate

i. Finely Pinnate j.

Cordate

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3) Leaf arrangement

a.Rosette.b. Alternate

c.Opposite d. Whorled

e. Decussate

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4) Type of rosette plants

a. Rosette plant b. Rosette plant with bulb

c. Rosette plant with rhizome d. Rosette plant

with tuber

PROFILE OF PLANTS

1)Alternanthera reineckii "lilacina"

Common Name : Red Telanthera

Stem plant with purple red lanceolate leaf in decussate arrangement. Propagated from cuttings.A plant for an advance aquarist.

2)Alternanthera renieckii "roseafolia

Common Name : Red Hygrophila

Stem plant with pink red lanceolate leaf in decussate arrangement. Propagated from cuttings.

A plant for an experience aquarist.

3)Ammannia gracilis

Common Name : Giant Red Ammannia

Stem plant with brownish red lanceolate leaf in decussate arrangement. Propagated from

cuttings. A plant for an advance aquarist.

4)Anubias barteri angustifolia

A Stem plant with creeping rhizome & dark green lanceolate leaf. It

should not be planted in substrate but tie on bogwood or stone

with help of fishing line. Propagated from eye of rhizome. A plant

for beginner.

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5) Anubias barteri barteri

Common Name : Broad Leaf Annubias

A Stem plant with creeping rhizome & dark green cordate leaf. Plant on bogwood or stone.

Propagated from eye of rhizome. A plant for beginner.

6) Anubias barteri nana

Common Name : Dwarf Anubias

A stem plant with creeping rhizome & dark green cordate leaf. Much smaller then variety barteri.

Plant on bogwood or stone. Propagated from eye of rhizome. This is a good plant for beginner.

7) Aponogeton undulatus

A rosette plant with tuber & long petiolate elliptic light to dark green leaves with transparent

patches. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on the floral stalk. A plant for beginner.

8) Bacopa caroliniana

Common Name : Giant Bacopa

A stem plant with brownish green ovate leaf in decussate arrangement. Propagated from cuttings.

A plant for beginner.

9) Bacopa monnieri

Common Name : Baby Tears / Dwarf Bacopa.

A stem plant with light to dark green narrow spathulate leaf in decussate arrangement. Propagated

from cuttings. A plant for beginner.

10) Blyxa japonica

Common Name : Bamboo Plant

A plant with linear leaves with alternate arrangement but appears rosette type. Dark Green to

Brownish in colour. Propaget by side shoots. A plant for advance aquarist

11) Cabomba caroliniana

Common Name : Green Cabomba

A stem plant with green finely pinnate leaves in opposite arrangement. Propagated from cuttings.A plants for experience aquarist.

12) Cabomba furcata

Common Name : Red Cabomba

A stem plant with reddish brown to wine red finely pinnate leaves usually in 3 merous whorlsrarely opposite arrangements. Propagated from cuttings. A plant for very advance aquarist.

13) Cabomba palaeformis

Common Name : Yellow Green Cabomba

A stem plant with yellow green finely pinnate leaves inopposite arrangements. Propagated fromcuttings. A plant for beginner.

14) Ceratophyllum demersum

Common Name : Tropical Hornwort.

A free floating stem plant with medium to dark green needle like leaves in 6-12 merous whorls.

Propagated from cutting. A plant for beginner.

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15) Ceratopteris cornutaComon name - Broad Leaf Water Sprite

A rosette plant with green colour pinnate leaves. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on leaves.


16) Ceratopteris thalictroides

Common Name : Water Sprite

A rosette plant with green colour pinnate leaves. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on leaves.


17) Cryptocoryne beckettii

A rosette plant with reddish brown lanceolate ovate leaves. Propagated from runners. A good plant

for beginner.

18) Cryptocoryne ciliata

A rosette plant with green lanceolate leaves with cordate base. Propagated from runners. A plant

for advance aquarist.

19) Cryptocoryne crispatula balansae.

A rosette plant with usually green narrow linear to lanceolate leaves with bullated Lamina.

Propagated from runners. A plant for beginners.

20) Cryptocoryne parvaCommon Name - Tiny Cryptocoryne

A rosette Plant with narrow elliptical to lanceolate leaves with medium to dark green colour.Propagated from runners. A plant for experience aquarist

21) Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia

A rosette plant with olive green to brownish violet ovate leave with cordate base and slightly

bullated lamina. Propagated from runners. A plant for beginners.

22) Cryptocoryne wendtii

A rosette plant with green to dark brown narrow lanceolate sometimes slightly bullated leaves.

Propagated from runners. A plant for beginners.

23) Echinodorus x barthiiCommon Name : Double Red Sword

A rosette plant with dark brown red elliptic leaves which are curved towards the outside.

Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for experience aquarist.

24) Echinodorus bleheri

Common Name : Broad Leaf Amazon

A rosette plant with medium to dark green lanceolate leaves. Propagated from adventitious

plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for beginners.

25)Echinodorus bolivianusCommon Name : Dwarf Chain Sword

A rosette Plant with light green linear lanceolate leaves. Propogated from runners. A plant for

beginners.

26) Echinodorus cordifolius

Common Name : Spade-leaf Plant

A rosette plant with medium green ovate leave with cordate base. Propagated from adventitious

plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for beginners.

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27) Echinodorus cordifolius 'Marble Queen'Common Name : Marble Queen

A rosette plant initially with lanceolate leaves which turn into ovoid with cordate base with

increasing maturity. Leaves are green in colour with white patches. Propagated from adventitious

plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for experience aquarist.

28) Echinodorus martii (major)Common Name : Ruffled Sword

A rosette plant with narrow oblanceolate, light green colour leaves with undulate margin.

Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for beginners.

29) Echinodorus 'OrientalCommon Name : Oriental SwordA rosette plant with narrowly ovate leaves with acute base. Leaves are initially reddish pick incolour which turns to green as they mature. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk.A plant for advance aquarist.

30) Echinodorus osiris

Common Name : Melon Sword

A rosette plants with olive green to brownish red leaves which are narrow elliptic to narrow

lanceolate shape. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for experience

aquarist.

31) Echinodorus 'Ozelot'

Common Name : Red Leopard Sword

A rosette plant with brownish red new leaves with dark red spots, older leaves turn greens. Leaves

from elliptic in shape. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A good plant for

beginners.

32) Echinodorus parviflorusA rosette plant with lanceolate leaves medium green in colour, frequently with dark crossvenationin juveniles leaves. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A good plant for

beginners

33) Echinodorus parviflorus TropicaA small rosette plant with obovoid dark green colour leaves with slightly bullate lamina.

Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for experience aquarist

34) Echinodorus Red FlameCommon Name : Red Flame SwordA rosette plant with elliptic leaves in shape. Leaves show concentrated drak red spot on a bright

brown red basic colour, hence the name is red flame. Propagated from adventitious plantlets onfloral stalk. A good plant for beginners

35) Echinodorus 'Rose'Common Name : Red Rose SwordA large Rosette plant with narrow elliptic leaves. Juveniles leaves are dark red in colour whichturn into dark olive green colour as they mature. Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floralstalk. A good plant for beginners

36) Echinodorus 'Rubin'Common Name : Rubin Sword

A large rosette plant with narrow elliptic leaves with slightly undulate margin. Juveniles leaveswith deep brown red in colour with ribs showing green colour. Propagated from adventitious

plantlets on floral stalk. A good plant for beginners

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37) Echinodorus schlueteri 'LeopardCommon Name : Leopard Amazon

A small rosette plant with cordate leaves. Green colour with intensly brown spotted leaves.Propagated from adventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for advance aquarist.

38) Echinodorus tenellusCommon Name : Pygmy Chain SwordA small rosette plant with narrow linear leaves light to dark green in colour, sometime brownish incolour. Propagated from runners. A plant for experience aquarist.

39) Echinodorus uruguayensis horemanii 'RotCommon Name : Red Ribbon Sword

A rosette plant with narrow oblanceolate leaves with black red in colour. Propagated fromadventitious plantlets on floral stalk. A plant for advance aquarist.

40) Egeria densa

Common Name : Giant Elodea

A stem plant with slightly recurved transparent pale dark green narrow leaves. Usually in four

merous whorls. Propagated from cuttings. A plant for experience aquarist.

41) Egeria najas

Common Name : Pond WeedA plant with dark green linear, more or less strongly recuvred leaves arrange in 5 merous whorls

on brittle stem. Propagated from cutting. A plant for beginners.

42) Eichhornia azurea

Common Nane - Palm Hyacinth

A stem plant with light green colour, linear leaves in alternate arrangements. Propagation by

cutting. Plant for advance aquarist.

43) Eichhornia diversifolia

Common Name- Star Hyacinth

A stem plant with alternate leaves spirally arrange on stem. Leaves are linear & dark to light green

in colour. Propagation by cutting. Plant for advance aquarist

44) Eleocharis acicularis

Common Name : Dwarf Hairgrass

A rosette plant with Filiform leaves with light to medium green in colour. Propagation by runners.

Plant for experience aquarist

45) Eleocharis vivipara

Common Name : Giant Hairgrass

A rosette plant with Filiform leaves with light to medium green in colour. Propagated from

plantlets on the tip of mature leaves. Plant for beginners.

46) Glossostigma platinoides

A stem plant with creeping shoots rooted on almost on all nodes. Light Green Colour Spatulate

leaves are present in opposite arrangements. Propagated from cuttings. Plants from advance

aquarist.

47) Hemianthus callitrichoides "Cuba"

Common Name : Pygmy Carpetweed

A stem plant with creeping shoot, light green colour rounded leaves. Propagation by cutting. A

plant for experience aquarist.

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59) Limnophila aquatica

Common Name : Giant Ambulia

A stem plant with light green to reddish brown finely pinnate leaves in 17 -22 merous whorls.

Propagated from Cuttings. A plant for experience aquarist.

60) Limnophila aromatica hippuroides

Common Name : Scarlet Ambulia

A stem plant with narrow lanceolate leaves light red to purple in colour and in 3-6 merous whorls.

Propagated from cutting. A plant for advance aquarist.

61) Limnophila indica

Common Name : Indian Ambulia

A stem plant with light green finely pinnate leaves arrange in 9 -10 merous whorls. Propagated

from cuttings & runners. A plant for experience aquarist

62) Limnophila sessiliflora

Common Name : Dwarf Ambulia

A stem plant with light green finely pinnate leaves arrange in 9 -10 merous whorls. Propagated

from cuttings & runners. A plant for experience aquarist.

63) Lindernia rotundifolia

A stem plant with green colour ovate to roundish leaves in decussate arrangements. Propagated

from cuttings. A plant for advance aquarist.

64) Ludwigia arcuataCommon Name : Needle-leaf LudwigiaA stem plant with narrow linear leaves in opposite arrangements, green to dark red in colour.Propagated by cutting. A plant for experience aquarist.

65) Ludwigia brevipesCommon Name : Narrow-leaf Ludwigia

A stem plant narrow elliptic to oblanceolate leaves in opposite arrangement green to reddish incolour. Propagated by cutting. A plant for experience aquarist.

66) Ludwigia glandulosa

Common Name : Red Star Ludwigia

A stem plant with olive green to wine red lanceolate leaves in alternate arrangements. Propagated


67)Ludwigia inclinata

Common Name : Orange Ludwigia

A stem plant with olive green to orange red obovate leaves in alternate arrangements. Propagated

from cuttings. A plant for very advance aquarist.

68) Ludwigia inclinata verticillataCommon Name : Worly Ludwigia

A stem plant with linear leaves in whorled leaf arrangement, light green leaves to reddish incolour . Propagated by cutting. Plant for experience aquarist.

69) Ludwigia palustris

Common Name : Red Ludwigia

A stem plant with olive green to blood red obovate leaves, in opposite arrangements. Propagated


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70)Ludwigia repens

Common Name : Creeping Ludwigia

A stem plant with wide elliptic leaves, olive green upper side, green to wine red under side in

opposite arrangement. Propagated from cuttings. A plant for beginners

71) Lysimachia nummularia

Common Name : Creeping Jenny

A stem plant with light green colour ovate leaves in opposite arrangement. Propagated from

cuttings. A plant for experience aquarist

72) Mayaca fluviatilis

Common Name : Dwarf Mayaca

A stem plant with light to reddish green small linear leaves with densely arrange alternate

arrangement so appear like whorls. Propagated from cutting. A plant for advance aquarist.

73)Microsorum pteropus

Common Name : Java Fern

A fern with creeping densely scaled rhizome & lanceolate green leaves. Do note plant in substrate

but tie on bogwood or stone. Propagated from eye on rhizome or plantlets on leaf. A good plant for

beginner.

74)Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov'

Common Name : Stagehorn Fern

A fern with creeping rhizome & with lanceolate green leaves which are pinnately branched at tips.

Plant on bogwood or stone. Propagated from eye on rhizome or plantlets on leaf. A good plant for

beginner.

75) Myriophyllum aquaticum

Common Name : Parrot's Feather

A stem plant with light to bluish green colour finely pinnate leaves in 4-7 merous whorls.

Propagated by cutting. A plant for advance aquarist.

76)Myriophyllum tuberculatum

Common Name : Red Myriophyllum

A stem plant with brown red finely pinnate leaves with 4 - 7 merous whorls. Propagated from

cuttings. A plant for very advanced aquarist.

77) Najas indica

A brittle stem plant with dark green linear leaves in alternate arrangements and highly branched

stem. Propagated from cuttings. A good plant for beginners.

78)Nesaea pedicellataCommon Name : Red NesaeaA Stem plant with lanceolate leaves with brownish red to dark red colour in decussate arrangement.Propagated from cuttings. A plant for an advance aquarist

79) Nuphar japonica

Common Name : Japanese Spatterdock Lily

A rosette plant with transparent light green sagittate leaves on thick rhizome. Propagated from

eye on rhizome. A plant for Advance Aquarist.

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80) Nymphaea lotus red

Common Name : African Tiger Lotus

A rosette plant with tuber, sagittate leaves are brownish red in colour on upper side with dark

brown spot and purple colour underside. Propagated through seeds & runners. A plant forexperience aquarist.

81) Nymphaea micrantha

Common Name : Leapord Lili

A rosette plant with tuber which has brown red spot on light green background. Propagated by

from plantlets on leaves stolone. A plant for experience aquarist

82)Nymphaea stellata

Common Name : Red & Blue Water Lily

A rosette plant with tuber which has brownish green colour sagittate leaves. Propagated by from

seeds & runner. A plant for experience aquarist

83) Nymphoides sp. 'Taiwan'

Common Name : Flipper Lily

A rosette plant with thin rhizome leaves are reniform in shape & light green colour with long

petiole. Propagated from plantlets on leaves stolone. A plant for experience aquarist.

84) Ottelia alisomidesA rosette plant with juvenile linear leaves, light green in colour, mature leaves are ovate to cordatein shape. Propagated from seeds. A plants for advance aquarist.

85) Potamogeton crispusA stem plant with buried & often branch rhizome, brownish to dark green elliptic leaves slightlytransparent & finely crispate in alternate arrangement. Propagated by cutting & runners. A plantsfor experience aquarist

86) Potamogeton gayiA stem plant with buried & often branch rhizome, linear leaves light to brownish green in colour,

slightly transparent in alternate arrangement. Propagated by cutting & runners. A plant forexperience aquarist.

87) Potamogeton wrightiiA stem plant with buried & often branch rhizome, light to dark green lanceolate leaves slightly

transparent & finely crispate in alternate arrangement. Propagated by cutting & runners. A plantsfor experience aquarist.

88) Riccia fluitansCommon Name Crystalwort

A floating plant consisting of highly branch thalli, branches narrow linear & upto 2 mm wide, lightgreen inn colour. Propagated by fragmentation of thallus .. A plant for experience aquarist.

89) Rotala indica

Common Name : Dwarf Rotala

A stem plant, leaves olive green to red on upper side, underside red green to violet, lanceolate to

wide ovate in shape and either decussate arrangement or in 3 merous whorls. Propagated from

cuttings. A good plant for beginners.

90) Rotala macrandra

Common Name : Giant Red Rotala

A stem plant with olive green to strong brown red lanceolate to wide ovate leaves in decussate

arrangements. Propagated from cuttings. A plant for very advance aquarist.

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91) Rotala najean

Common Name : Green Whorly Rotala

A stem plant with light green linear leaves with often reddish ting, arrange in 3-6 merous whorls.

Propagated from cuttings. A plant for experience aquarist.

92) Rotala rotundifolia

Common Name : Narrow Leaf Dwarf Rotala

A steam plant with olive green to reddish lanceolate to elliptic leaves which are strong violet

colour underside and arrange in opposite or 3 - 4 merous whorls. Propagated from cuttings. A plant

for beginners.

93) Rotala wallichii

Common Name : Whorly Rotala

A stem plant with reddish brown to pink linear leaves arrange in upto 15 merous whorls.

Propagated from cuttings. A plant for advance aquarist.

94)Sagittaria platyphylla

Common Name : Giant Sagittaria

A rosette plant with light green colour linear ribbon shaped leaves 10 -20 mm wide. Propagated

from runners. A plant for beginners.

95) Sagittaria subulata

Common Name : Dwarf Sagittaria

A rosette plant with light to dark green colour linear leaves upto 6 mm wide. Propagated from

runners. A plant for beginners.

96) Shinnersia rivularis

Common Name : Mexican Oak-leaf Plant

A stem plant with light green to reddish brown colour leaves in variable shapes & present in

decussate arrangement. Propagated by cuttings. A plant for advance aquarist.

97) Utricularia aureaCommon,Name - Bladdewort

A root less drifting plant with finely pinnate alternate leaves, light to dark green in colour.

Propagated by cutting. A plant for experience aquarist.

98) Vallisneria americana biwaensis

Common Name : Corkscrew Vallisneria

A rosette plant with dark green to brownish linear twisted leaves 10- 20 mm wide, Propagated

from runners. A plant beginners

99) Vallisneria americana gigantea

Common Name : Giant Vallisneria

A rosette plant with dark green to brownish linear leaves 10 - 20 mm wide, upto 6 feet long.

Propagated from runners. A very good plant for beginners.100) Vallisneria spiralis

Common Name : Straight Vallisneria

A rosette plant with medium to dark green linear leaves, 6 - 8 mm wide and upto 4 feet in length.

Propagated from runners. A good plant for beginners.

101) Vallisneria spiral is 'Tortifolia' Common Name : Twisted Vallisneria

A rosette plant with dark green to red colour linear leaves, often irregularly produces twisted

leaves. Propagated from runners. A plant for experience aquarist.

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102) Vesicularia dubyana

Common Name : Java Moss

A dark green cushion forming moss with round flattened foliage, branch stem & reddish brown

rhizoid. (Root hair). Propagated from fragmented shoots. A good plants for beginners. Plant on

bogwood or stone by fishing line.

notes updated in august 2008

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