Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian.
Marine aquatic plants and macroalgae are defined as species that can survive completely submerged under water. Although some aquatic plants, such as mangrove, only have their roots submerged and will grow up and out of the water. Marine plants and macroalgae help bring another piece of nature into the home aquarium or refugium. Aquatic plants and macroalgae also absorb carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrates and nutrients from the water and help provide shelter and security for aquatic life. As plants and macroalgae grow, they may require some routine pruning to keep them healthy and growing properly—if your aquatic life is not doing this naturally.
Examples of aquatic plants and macroalgae include:
Issue | Causes | Suggested action |
---|---|---|
IssueYellowing leaves | CausesInsufficient nutrients, nutrients out of balance | Suggested actionAdd marine trace elements; test water for magnesium (beneficial for mangroves) and increase levels if needed |
IssueGreen water | CausesAlgae bloom, too much light (direct sunlight), excessive nutrients, overfeeding, overstocked aquarium | Suggested actionReduce photo period and block direct sunlight; increase water change frequency; reduce feeding; ultraviolet filtration can assist with destroying algae cells |
IssueMacroalgae turning white | CausesNot enough light, reduced water flow, reduced nutrients, natural die-off | Suggested actionImprove lighting; increase water flow; add supplements; trim off deceased plant matter |
Where can you buy marine aquarium plants and macroalgae?
A variety of marine aquatic plants and macroalgae are available at Petco Pet Care Centers.
How do you grow and care for marine aquarium plants and macroalgae?
Marine aquatic plant and macroalgae care will depend on the species of plant; some plants and macroalgae are easier to care for than others. Always do your research prior to purchasing.
What types of marine aquatic plants and macroalgae are there?
There are several marine plants and macroalgae species available to fulfill your specific aquarium needs.
How do marine aquatic plants and macroalgae get carbon dioxide?
Marine plants and macroalgae absorb carbon dioxide through their leaves and roots.
What supplements do aquatic plants need?
Aquatic plants benefit from food additives, iron supplements and fertilizers. Different species of plants have different needs, but an all-in-one fertilizer like Flourish works very well for a wide variety of aquatic plants.
What kinds of marine plants or macroalgae are best for beginners?
Chaetomorpha and gracilaria are quite hardy and easy to care for, making them best for beginners.
Ask a Pet Care Center associate about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new aquatic life. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.
Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as atypical mycobacterium and salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your aquatic life or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for aquatic life and should consider not having aquatic life as a pet.
Go to cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about aquatic life and disease.
The information on this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
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