Hypothesis
The Elodea plant will grow faster in the aquarium with goldfish. The greater the number of goldfish, the better the rate of growth.
Overview
Plants in an aquarium
Aquatic plants add more natural beauty to a fish tank. They also help clean the water and reduce the growth of algae. However, conditions in the aquarium must be suitable for both fish and plant. The types of plants that can be introduced into an aquarium include rooted plants and floating plants.
Fish feed and produce waste daily. Aquariums normally have filters which help to clean and remove some of this waste from the water. Most of this waste is in the form of nitrates and nitrites. They are the same nutrients required by aquatic plants to grow. Therefore, having more plants in an aquarium can help to lower nitrate levels in the water. This also means less algae growth and less frequent cleaning of the tank.
The gills of fishes absorb oxygen from the water and produce carbon dioxide. Plants living in the water need the carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and growth. Aquatic plants produce oxygen which is needed for the fish’s respiratory function. Plants in the aquarium are also used as food and as places for fish to hide. This symbiotic relationship is beneficial to both fish and plants.
Scientific Terms
Nitrate, nitrite, algae, photosynthesis
Conclusion
The hypothesis that the Elodea plant will grow faster in an aquarium containing goldfish, is correct.
Growing aquatic plants in a goldfish tank adds beauty to the aquarium. They also help to remove ammonia and nitrate waste produced by the goldfish. However, it is important to choose the right type of aquatic plants for the goldfish. The best aquatic plants for goldfish are ones that can withstand nudges from goldfish and those with strong roots. Otherwise, aquatic plants that do no thrive will decay and rot and will adversely affect the quality of the water in the aquarium.
Also consider
The science fair project can also be repeated by using other types of aquatic plants like the Anubias or Sword plant.
Try and repeat the experiment by using different types of fish (eg. Parrot fish).
References
Plants in a goldfish aquarium - http://www.desktopgoldfish.com/goldfish-aquarium-plants.php
Why keep life aquatic plants? - http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/plants/plant_advice.htm
Related videos
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