Let's Learn About the Aquarium

Care Guide: Hornwort — The Complete Canadian Aquarist's Guide
Looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that oxygenates your water, outcompetes algae, and provides excellent cover for fish and fry? Meet Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum). One of the most widespread aquatic plants in the world, Hornwort is found naturally across Canada in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers — making it uniquely suited to Canadian aquariums and water gardens alike. Quick Care Overview Parameter Ideal Range Lighting Low to High (very adaptable) Temperature 10°C – 30°C (50°F – 86°F) pH 6.0 – 7.5 Water Hardness Soft to Hard CO2 Not required Growth... Read more...
Care Guide: Rotala — The Complete Canadian Aquarist's Guide
Few aquarium plants can match the visual impact of Rotala (Rotala rotundifolia). With its delicate, feathery stems and stunning colour range — from lime green to vivid orange-red — Rotala is the go-to stem plant for aquascapers looking to add colour, movement, and depth to their planted tanks. While slightly more demanding than the beginner staples, Rotala is well within reach for any hobbyist ready to step up their planted tank game.Quick Care Overview Parameter Ideal Range Lighting Medium to High Temperature 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F) pH 6.0... Read more...
Care Guide: Anubias Nana — The Complete Canadian Aquarist's Guide
Ask any planted tank enthusiast to name their favourite beginner plant and Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri var. nana) will appear on nearly every list. Compact, tough, and effortlessly attractive, this West African native brings a lush, jungle-like quality to any aquarium. From small nano tanks to large community setups, Anubias Nana earns its place every time.Quick Care Overview Parameter Ideal Range Lighting Low to Medium Temperature 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F) pH 6.0 – 7.5 Water Hardness Soft to Hard (very adaptable) CO2 Not required Growth Rate Very Slow... Read more...
Care Guide: Java Fern — The Complete Canadian Aquarist's Guide
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is one of the most recognizable and beloved aquarium plants in the hobby. With its distinctive long, leathery leaves and near-indestructible nature, it's a favourite for Canadian aquarists at every skill level. Whether you're setting up your first planted tank or adding texture to an advanced aquascape, Java Fern delivers stunning results with minimal effort.Quick Care Overview Parameter Ideal Range Lighting Low to Medium Temperature 18°C – 28°C (64°F – 82°F) pH 6.0 – 7.5 Water Hardness Soft to Moderately Hard CO2 Not required Growth Rate... Read more...
Care Guide: Java Moss — The Complete Canadian Aquarist's Guide
If there's one plant that every aquarist — beginner or expert — should have in their tank, it's Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri). Hardy, versatile, and endlessly useful, Java Moss is the backbone of countless planted aquariums across Canada.Quick Care Overview Parameter Ideal Range Lighting Low to Medium Temperature 15°C – 28°C pH 6.0 – 8.0 CO2 Not required Difficulty Beginner LightingJava Moss thrives in low to medium lighting — perfect for tanks without expensive grow lights. Under low light it grows slowly with a rich dark green colour. Add CO2... Read more...