Best Aquatic Plants & Substrate Tips for Healthy Aquascapes in Perth
Aquascaping has become a major trend among aquarium hobbyists in Perth, and for good reason. Whether you're building a natural aquascape using dragon stone, lava rock, or the ever-popular seiryu stone, the right combination of aquatic plants and substrate plays a critical role in your tank’s health and visual impact.
This guide explores the top 10 aquatic plants, essential substrate types like aquarium soil, tips for dealing with brown algae in fish tanks, and how to avoid diatoms in fish tanks while achieving a beautiful, balanced ecosystem.
Why Your Aquatic Plants & Substrate Matter
A successful aquascape is more than just rocks and water. Aquatic plants oxygenate the water, reduce algae growth, and create a natural habitat for fish. Meanwhile, the substrate (gravel, sand, or specialized aquarium soil) provides anchorage and nutrition to plant roots, making it a foundation for healthy growth.
Perth aquascapers face unique water conditions - often hard and alkaline, so choosing the right combination is key.
Top 10 Aquatic Plants for Perth Aquascaping
Here are ten of the most reliable aquatic plants for Perth-based aquariums. They tolerate various conditions and pair beautifully with dragon stone, lava rock, and seiryu stone hardscapes:
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Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Hardy, undemanding, perfect for attaching to lava rock or driftwood. -
Anubias Nana
A slow-growing plant with thick leaves thrives when glued to dragon stone. -
Amazon Sword
Ideal for background planting; needs nutrient-rich substrate like aquarium soil. -
Java Moss
A must-have for moss-planted tanks, it easily clings to seiryu stone and grows fast. -
Dwarf Hairgrass
Creates a lush carpet and performs well in high-light setups. -
Vallisneria Spiralis
Perfect for taller aquariums, adds vertical movement, and hides filter gear. -
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Comes in green, red, and brown variants — great for mid-ground planting. -
Rotala Rotundifolia
Offers stunning red hues under good lighting, adds contrast to stone-heavy layouts. -
Hydrocotyle Tripartita
Spreads low and wide, ideal for filling spaces between rocks. -
Bacopa Caroliniana
Easy to grow, aromatic, and makes a bold statement in any tank.
Using a mix of these 10 aquatic plants ensures diversity, oxygenation, and aesthetic balance in your tank.
Substrate Selection: What Works Best in Perth?
The substrate you choose determines how well your plants grow and how clean your tank remains. For Perth aquascapes, consider these substrate options:
1. Aquarium Soil
Hands down, the best choice for planted tanks. It’s nutrient-rich, promotes root development, and lowers pH slightly - ideal for combating Perth’s alkaline tap water.
Popular brands include ADA, Amazonia, and Fluval Stratum.
2. Inert Gravel or Sand
While these look natural and are easy to clean, they lack nutrients. You'll need root tabs or a nutrient-rich layer underneath to support plant life.
3. Layered Substrate System
Many aquascapers use a base layer of aquarium soil, topped with decorative gravel or sand. This setup hides the soil while maintaining its benefits.
Whatever you choose, aim for 5–8cm depth to allow strong root growth.
The Role of Hardscape: Dragon Stone, Lava Rock & Seiryu Stone
Your choice of stone isn’t just about looks — it affects water chemistry, plant attachment, and tank layout.
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Dragon Stone (Ohko Rock): Lightweight and textured, perfect for mosses like Java Moss or Riccia. It’s inert, so it won’t alter water chemistry.
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Lava Rock: Highly porous and full of surface area — great for beneficial bacteria and epiphyte plants like Anubias or Java Fern.
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Seiryu Stone: A classic aquascaping rock. Slightly alkaline, which can raise pH — pair with pH-buffering substrate if needed.
Using these rocks creatively forms natural caves, peaks, and valleys, offering shelter and visual depth.
Controlling Brown Algae & Diatoms in Fish Tanks
If you’re seeing brown algae in your fish tank, you’re likely dealing with diatoms. Common in new tanks, diatoms feed on excess silicates and light imbalance.
How to Handle Diatoms in Fish Tanks:
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Reduce Silicates
Use RO (reverse osmosis) water if possible, or pre-filter tap water to remove silicates. -
Adjust Lighting
Too much light or outdated bulbs encourage algae. Use modern LEDs with timers. -
Add Algae-Eaters
Otocinclus catfish, nerite snails, and Siamese algae eaters can help clean surfaces. -
Improve Filtration
A quality filter with chemical media (like activated carbon or phosphate removers) keeps the water clean. -
Regular Maintenance
Weekly water changes, vacuuming the substrate, and cleaning the glass prevent buildup.
Ignoring diatoms in fish tanks can lead to murky water and unhealthy plants. Stay consistent, and your aquascape will thrive.
Bonus Tips for Aquascaping Success in Perth
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Cycle Your Aquarium Fully before adding plants and fish. Uncycled tanks often lead to brown algae issues.
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Use Liquid Fertilizers in tandem with aquarium soil to give plants a full nutrient profile.
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Consider CO₂ Injection for more demanding species like Rotala or Hairgrass — it’ll boost growth and keep algae down.
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Stick to a Theme: Whether it’s Iwagumi, Jungle, or Nature-style, consistency improves the look and health of your tank.
Final Thoughts
Creating a stunning aquascape in Perth isn’t just about good-looking rocks. The combination of the right aquatic plants, well-chosen substrate, and thoughtful layout using dragon stone, lava rock, or seiryu stone leads to a balanced, vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Keep an eye out for signs of brown algae, manage diatoms, and always prioritize plant health. With the right knowledge and tools, your aquascape can become a living piece of art.