The use of marine plants in aquarium is more or less considered a purely esthetic measure and to some extent it is however, these plants enhance the aquarium while ensuring the well being of the fish within the enclosure. Salt water aquarium plants consist of any plant life that is able to sustain artificial saltwater environment. Just as other organisms may be sensitive to confined artificial environments, these marine plants may or may not be compatible to the delicate eco- system such as that of a fish tank. As a result of this sensitivity of the saltwater marine plants certain chemical balances have to be maintained for the health and sustenance of all the organisms. They are able to sustain themselves by drawing nutrients from water enabling their growth and other biological functions. 

Cactus algae or Halimeda is a common choice for saltwater aquariums and a good advantage of this species is that it is not usually fed on much by marine fish. It also has a non-invasive nature; therefore, it will not encroach on the space of other organisms within the tank. It requires a significant amount of light to grow as well as sufficient calcium deposits. Ensure that nitrate and phosphate levels do not exceed the standard rates and these plants should not be pruned at all. 

 

The shaving brush otherwise known as Penicillus is a marine plant species that provides filtration by absorbing substances in the water. Most fish are not fond of feeding on them apart from sea urchins and their cultivation should be done in a substrate. The shaving brush needs a well lit area and addition of iron supplements to the water can make the plant thrive. 

 

Generally salt water aquarium plants are able to survive in artificial environment by acquiring minerals from the water such as phosphates and nitrates which also ensures that the tank can keep clean. But is there any such thing as inappropriate salt water aquarium plants? A species that cannot avoid mention is the bubble algae that produce green bubbles, which stick on surfaces and could get out of hand by reproducing rapidly. These algae should be removed completely from the tank if spotted although certain fish such as Sohal Tang or Sailfin tang feed on the green bubbles. With this basic knowledge one can have a general idea of what to look for when consulting an aquarist.