Introduction  |  Aquarium Choices & Considerations Filtration  |  Filter Systems |  Filter Media Temperature Control |  Lighting Creating the Aquatic Environment Aquarium Decorative Features and Characteristics Water  |  Live Plants  |  CO2 In The Aquarium Introducing Fish  |  Fish Care  |  Feeding Aquarium Maintenance  |  Basic Maintenance Guide   Incorporate groups of plants in your set-up. Select a few species with a quantity of each as opposed to many different species and minor quantities of each. Position plants with respect to the species. Taller plants should be placed at the rear and shorter plants towards the front. Try to place plants according to their light requirements. For example, plants preferring lower light levels can be planted in the shade of higher light-preferring species. Remove devices used to bunch plants together. Planting should allow for a little space between groups of stems of plants (bunch plants). Consider the adult size of plants, as they grow and should be given the room and proper initial placement. For plants with many stems emanating from a crown, do not get gravel between the stems and expose the top of the crown. Select faster growing species of plants when first starting the aquarium. Plants provide one of the best algae prevention strategies. Under the right conditions they compete with algae for nutrients and light.