Any type of marine plant that is small enough to fit into your aquarium setup can be used as a saltwater aquarium plant. It is important to provide the proper chemical balance, temperature, and lighting for your plants so they will thrive and be beautiful.
When choosing plants for your saltwater aquarium, you should make sure that they are compatible with the creatures living there, the chemical balance required, and the temperature and lighting requirements of the tank. Some saltwater plants can be harmful to certain species of fish, or can produce chemicals which might upset the balance of your tank.

Light and temperature are the most important factors for your saltwater plants’ survival. Maintaining a constant temperature and providing the lighting your plant requires is essential.

Crystalwort is a type of saltwater aquarium plant that can be used in the foreground. These plants create a beautiful thick carpet-like growth, and tiny air bubbles will become trapped on the leaf ends making it appear to be covered in crystal jewels. Willow moss is a low-maintenance foreground plant. It will grow slowly and stay confined to the area you would like.

The light requirements of Crystalwort are flexible, as it is able to thrive in both low and high-light conditions. Willow moss, also known as java moss, will thrive best in a moderately-lighted aquarium. It can survive in low-light conditions but this is not ideal. More light will mean faster growth of this plant.

Java moss can also be used as a background plant for your saltwater aquarium, because it will attach itself to rocks or other structures in your tank. Another choice for background planting is the African Water Fern. This is a medium-height plant with gorgeous green, thick leaves. It is very easy to grow and spread. This plant is also flexible in its light requirements, requiring only lower levels of light, but will continue to thrive in higher light levels.

Fluorescent lighting is sufficient for the light requirements of these plants. In deeper tanks, higher-output lights are a better choice, providing deeper penetration of light to your plants. Fluorescent bulbs should be replaced no less than once every six months. Otherwise, the light concentration given off by them will fade, leaving your plants starving for the light they need to grow and thrive. Some plants have special light requirements that are not satisfied with this light type so be careful in your choices.

Substrate choices for saltwater aquarium plants are very flexible, as most will adhere to the surfaces of rocks or other fixtures in the tank. The requirements of each plant can be different though, so it is best to learn what the requirements are for the plants you are choosing before deciding which to purchase.

Choosing to add plants to your saltwater aquarium will make it more beautiful, and if the plants are chosen properly, they can help maintain a healthy balance of oxygen in the water, resulting in happier, healthier, and even more colorful fish.