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Submerged Oxygenating Aquatics |
 In order that both plants and fish may flourish in a garden
pool or indoor aquarium it is essential for the water to be
and remain, pure and clean. To some extent this may be
achieved by repeatedly emptying and refilling the pool or con-
tainer but it is far more satisfactory to plant a sufficient number
of submerged oxygenating plants with some of the floating
aquatics, plus some water snails.
There is a rich variety of suitable plants from which to
choose both for the outdoor pool and the warm aquarium, and
there are various reasons why such plants should be grown.
Firstly, if the water is not clear any fish present cannot be
seen, and with cloudy water, the appearance of the pool is
unpleasant. Many underwater plants absorb the carbon di-
oxide from the fish and give out oxygen, while others provide
cover for the fish at spawning time.
Healthy submerged plants also prevent algae gaining a real
hold. The minute vegetable organisms which cause algae can-
not really thrive without light so that submerged and floating
plants by the shade they provide, will normally keep the water
crystal clear. There is also the point of the waste products
from fish and animal life contaminating the water which will
be absorbed by the plants. Apart from all these considerations,
provided the right choice is made, the plants can be of real
decorative value.
Fortunately, there is a good range of suitable plants available
both for growing in cold water in the open and for warm con-
ditions in aquariums.
In the latter case, planting is done in coarse or aquarium sand
or a thin layer of loam covered with the sand can be used,
making this rooting medium about two inches deep. For a
more decorative appearance in fancy bowls or tanks, miniature
sand dunes can be made with small pieces of rock inserted at
intervals.
It is, however, unwise to place much material at the bottom,
since it might lead to crevices in which fish food and other
matter can lodge and decompose, possibly leading to trouble.
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