Easy low-maintenance planting ideas

[BadgersSong]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of cycling my new 125l tank and I'm looking to add some plants. I'd prefer to avoid using CO2 and I'm interested in low-maintenance options. My tank has a mix of 1 inch of 2-4mm natuflake gravel and river cobbles, with no separate planting substrate underneath.

When it comes to choosing plants, what should I be thinking about? I've been considering Amazon sword, Java fern, and moss balls, but I'd really appreciate any advice or suggestions you might have.

Thanks

[lukayo]

I've had good luck with java fern in low-maintenance setups, it's quite hardy. I've also got val and anubias in my axolotl tank, which is kept at a pretty low temp of 18 degrees Celsius and is really dimly lit - the axies love cold, dark water and the plants seem to thrive in those conditions. I'm just using a simple beach sand substrate and don't add any fertilisers, which keeps things nice and straightforward.

[breezo]

I've also had success with Ludwigia and Wisteria in my low light tanks, they've grown really well for me.

[BadgersSong]

I've had good luck with java fern in low-maintenance setups, it's quite hardy. I've also got val and anubias in my axolotl tank, which is kept at a pretty low temp of 18 degrees Celsius and is really dimly lit - the axies love cold, dark water and the plants seem to thrive in those conditions. I'm just using a simple beach sand substrate and don't add any fertilisers, which keeps things nice and straightforward.

Thanks for the advice guys, I think I'll give the java fern a go, sounds like it's pretty hardy and low maintenance.

[BadgersSong]

I've also had success with Ludwigia and Wisteria in my low light tanks, they've grown really well for me.

Thanks

[BadgersSong]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm more concerned about the lack of planting substrate and no co2 in my tank. I want to make sure the plants can thrive in these conditions.

[breezo]

I've got a similar setup, just 1 inch of natuflake gravel and river cobbles, no specific planting substrate in sight.

[Whiteron]

I've had good luck with Wisteria in my gravel-only tank. I've also got a plant that I'm pretty sure is an Anubias, and it's doing just fine without any fertilizers or CO2.

[Echoflux]

Considering your tank setup, I'd recommend looking into a liquid carbon additive as a substitute for CO2 - it's not ideal, but it's better than nothing. Given the dual T5 light fixture on your rio 125, I'm guessing you've got a pretty high output light unit, which will make plant growth challenging without any CO2 additive.

[shakinStevens]

Well-growing plants are relatively low-maintenance. They'll require the occasional trim and removal of excess growth, but that's about it. If your tank is well-oxygenated, you can get by without CO2. Regular water changes - around 30 to 50% weekly - are still essential, though.

The biggest challenge with plants is usually algae growth getting out of control. This is often down to a nutrient deficiency. Sometimes, your tap water just doesn't have enough nutrients for your plants to thrive. If plant growth is slow or non-existent, algae will start taking over. If that happens, I'd recommend fertilizing with a comprehensive fertilizer like SeaChem Flourish. I've had good results with it. More frequent water changes might also help.