We do not simply stick our hands into the tank and plant the new plant!

When adding new plants to your established aquarium, choose plants first and prepare them for the move.  Minimize disturbance by avoiding moving them for at least four weeks to allow roots to establish, trim any melting leaves, and provide adequate light and liquid fertilizer to support new growth.
  1. Quarantine and Prepare New Plants
  • Quarantine:

Before adding new plants to your main tank, place them in a separate quarantine tank for 1–2 weeks to prevent introducing pests or diseases into your established setup.

  • Remove Packaging:

Take the plant out of its plastic container and remove the sponge or ceramic ring from the roots.

  • Clean and Inspect:

Gently rinse the plant to remove any excess debris or algae from the nursery.

 

  1. Plant Your New Aquarium Plants
  • Arrange and Plant:

Decide where you want to place your plants, considering taller plants in the back and shorter plants in the front.

  • Plant in Substrate:

For rooted plants, push the stems into the substrate, ensuring the leaves aren’t bent.

  • Attach to Hardscape:

For plants that don’t need substrate, you can tie or glue them to decorations like driftwood or rocks.

  • Consider Plant Placement:

Position light-dependent plants directly under the light source and those that prefer lower light away from the direct light.

 

  1. Care for Your New Plants
  • Allow for Adjustment:

Once planted, try not to move the plants for at least four weeks.

  • Expect Some “Melting”:

Plants may shed leaves (melt) as they adapt to the new tank’s water parameters and growing conditions.

  • Trim Melting Leaves:

Trim off any leaves that look like they are dying back, as this is a normal part of the transition process.

  • Provide Light and Nutrients:

Ensure plants have adequate lighting and use liquid fertilizers to support their growth in the new environment.

  • Pest Prevention:

Consider a bleach or hydrogen peroxide dip before planting to help control or prevent pest snails, which can eat your plants.

 

**FERTILIZE: Microbe-Lift Bloom & Grow ALL-IN-ONE AQUATIC PLANT SUPPLEMENT for freshwater to give the plants the best start!