Aquarium plant kabomba
Kabomba is a useful plant for the aquarium. It is moderately unpretentious and serves as a shelter for small fish and fry. Different types of algae are distinguished by their endurance.
Kabomba plant and its types
The alga is a long stem, from which the opposite processes branch off in pairs. On each process there are bunches of 2-3 whorls diverging into fan-shaped threadlike leaves. Actually, each process is a deeply dissected leaf. The color of the leaves is from light green to dark green. In some species, they are red. Having grown to the surface of the water, the branches do not go out, but spread along the water surface.
Kabomba with brown stems and fluffy leaves serves as a hiding place for fish
There are several species of these representatives of the Kabomb family from South America. Most often you can see the following:
- Common or bushy. Bushy species. Whimsical enough. The lateral shoots can be up to 2 m long. The leaf segments have rounded ends. The color of the upper ones is bright green, the lower ones are light green. It does not grow in any aquarium.
- Karolinska. It can grow in any volume of water, it adapts well. But there are requirements for water and lighting. The size of the plant is 50 cm.
- Furkata. The most demanding content. In bad conditions, it dies rather quickly. Requires very bright and long-lasting lighting. Irresistible with its red-red leaves, collected in lush whorls. Plant height – 30-60 cm.
- “Paleformis” is the most tenacious and unpretentious species. It can grow up to 1 m.
- Belem Red is the most unusual member of the family. Grows as a ground cover plant. Color from pinkish red to brown. You can decorate the front of the aquarium with it by placing the plant on the ground. An expensive and poorly studied species.
The conditions of detention for all members of the family are not too different. It all depends on the degree of endurance.
Keeping the kabomba as an aquarium plant
The plant needs certain conditions: it is necessary to change the water in the aquarium at least once a week, there must be a filter. Whimsical species in the mud will quickly die, more patient ones will slowly lose their attractiveness.
The lighting should be fairly bright – 0,5–0,7 W per 1 m². The length of daylight hours is at least 10-12 hours. Water hardness should not exceed 8, and pH – 6-7. The plant needs CO2 supply, the water temperature varies from 24 to 28 ° C.
Aquarium fish will feast on the delicate greens of this plant, which will spoil its beauty
This fluffy plant needs special conditions, although it is not among the most capricious. Beginners should choose the more “accommodating” species of this alga.