I'm on the hunt for some low-maintenance plants to add to my aquarium. My tank's pretty similar to this one, it's home to 6 harlequin rasboras, 6 fairy corydoras, and a lone guppy. As for the plants, I've got a mix of real and fake - there's a plastic plant, an anubias nana, a rotala rotundifolia, two java ferns (one's still pretty small), a limnophila sessiliflora, and an amazon sword.
I've been using liquid ferts and JBL 7 balls to keep everything healthy. I'd love to get your thoughts on some easy-care plants that'd thrive in my tank.
Which plants are best for my space?
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
You've got a solid plant base to work with, so be sure to replant any trimmed tips to maintain their growth. For some additional easy-care options, consider Hygrophila Siamensis 53b or Cardamine Lyrata, both of which are relatively low-maintenance. Pennywort species are also a great choice, and Valis can help conceal equipment in the background.
In terms of hardscaping, try incorporating more rocks and wood to add height to the tank. This will create a more visually appealing environment. You may also want to consider switching from gravel to sand for your substrate, as this will be beneficial for your Cories.
One thing to consider removing is the shell, as it can increase the hardness of your water, which may not be ideal for most of your fish.
In terms of hardscaping, try incorporating more rocks and wood to add height to the tank. This will create a more visually appealing environment. You may also want to consider switching from gravel to sand for your substrate, as this will be beneficial for your Cories.
One thing to consider removing is the shell, as it can increase the hardness of your water, which may not be ideal for most of your fish.
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cichlidgirl22 - Posts: 121
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2022 5:07 am
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
I think adding some Water Sprite would be a great idea, it's a fantastic floating plant that's easy to care for. I also agree with willie32, more hardscape could really enhance the tank's visual appeal, particularly if you can find some pieces that create height and add depth to the layout.
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
LIGHTING - THE KEY TO PLANT GROWTH
Most plants need a decent amount of light to thrive, so if you're only running your tank lights for a couple of hours a day, you're probably not giving them enough. I'd recommend aiming for 10-12 hours of light per day. If you're using a lower wattage light, this might not be enough, so consider upgrading.
Now, if you're getting loads of green algae, it's likely your lights are on for too long. Try reducing the lighting period by an hour and see how things go over the next couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you're not getting any algae, you might need to increase the lighting period. And if you're getting just a small amount, you're probably about right.
Some plants, like Ambulia and Hygrophila, will actually close their leaves up when they've had enough light. You'll notice this happening when the top set of leaves starts to fold in first, followed by the next set, and so on down the stem. When you see this, wait about an hour after the leaves have closed up, and then turn the lights off.
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LIGHTING TRANSITIONS - EASING THE STRESS ON YOUR FISH
You know how it is when you wake up to a bright light - it's not exactly pleasant. Well, it's the same for your fish. When the tank lights come on, it can be a real shock to their system, especially if the room is dark. So, try to open the curtains or turn the room light on at least 30 minutes before turning on the tank lights. This will help ease the transition and reduce stress on your fish.
At night, do the same thing in reverse. Turn the room light on, then turn off the tank lights. Wait at least 30 minutes before turning off the room light. This will help your fish settle down for the night.
Oh, and try to stick to a regular lighting schedule. Use a timer if you can.
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PLANTS TO TRY
There are loads of great plants out there that are easy to care for. Some of my favorites include Ambulia, Hygrophila polysperma, Elodia, and Hydrilla. These plants are all pretty tall, so they do well at the back of the tank.
If you're looking for something a bit smaller, you might want to try Rotala macranda or Hygrophila ruba. These plants are both pretty versatile and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
And don't forget about Cryptocorynes. These plants are a bit more finicky, but they're worth it. They come in all sorts of colors and can add a real pop of color to your tank.
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TRUE AQUATICS VS MARSH PLANTS
You know, not all plants are created equal. Some plants, like Anubias and Hair Grass, are actually marsh plants that do well in water, but they're not true aquatics. These plants have rigid stems and can survive out of water.
On the other hand, true aquatics like Ambulia, Cabomba, and Hornwort have soft, flexible stems with air bubbles in them. These plants are designed to thrive in water and will actually collapse if you take them out of the tank.
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IRON FERTILIZERS
If you want to give your plants a boost, consider using an iron-based fertilizer. These fertilizers are especially good for plants like Ambulia and Hygrophila, which love iron.
Just be sure to use a liquid fertilizer, as these tend to work better than tablets. And don't forget to monitor your iron levels with a test kit. Aim for about 1mg/l (1ppm).
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CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Now, I know some people swear by CO2, but the truth is, you don't really need it unless you've got a tank full of plants and only a few small fish. And even then, it's not a necessity.
You see, there's already plenty of CO2 in your tank, produced by your fish and filter bacteria. And at night, your plants actually release CO2, which is then absorbed by the atmosphere.
So, unless you've got a very specific setup, I'd say skip the CO2. And definitely avoid those liquid CO2 supplements - they're toxic and can harm your fish, shrimp, and snails.
Most plants need a decent amount of light to thrive, so if you're only running your tank lights for a couple of hours a day, you're probably not giving them enough. I'd recommend aiming for 10-12 hours of light per day. If you're using a lower wattage light, this might not be enough, so consider upgrading.
Now, if you're getting loads of green algae, it's likely your lights are on for too long. Try reducing the lighting period by an hour and see how things go over the next couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you're not getting any algae, you might need to increase the lighting period. And if you're getting just a small amount, you're probably about right.
Some plants, like Ambulia and Hygrophila, will actually close their leaves up when they've had enough light. You'll notice this happening when the top set of leaves starts to fold in first, followed by the next set, and so on down the stem. When you see this, wait about an hour after the leaves have closed up, and then turn the lights off.
--------------------
LIGHTING TRANSITIONS - EASING THE STRESS ON YOUR FISH
You know how it is when you wake up to a bright light - it's not exactly pleasant. Well, it's the same for your fish. When the tank lights come on, it can be a real shock to their system, especially if the room is dark. So, try to open the curtains or turn the room light on at least 30 minutes before turning on the tank lights. This will help ease the transition and reduce stress on your fish.
At night, do the same thing in reverse. Turn the room light on, then turn off the tank lights. Wait at least 30 minutes before turning off the room light. This will help your fish settle down for the night.
Oh, and try to stick to a regular lighting schedule. Use a timer if you can.
--------------------
PLANTS TO TRY
There are loads of great plants out there that are easy to care for. Some of my favorites include Ambulia, Hygrophila polysperma, Elodia, and Hydrilla. These plants are all pretty tall, so they do well at the back of the tank.
If you're looking for something a bit smaller, you might want to try Rotala macranda or Hygrophila ruba. These plants are both pretty versatile and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
And don't forget about Cryptocorynes. These plants are a bit more finicky, but they're worth it. They come in all sorts of colors and can add a real pop of color to your tank.
--------------------
TRUE AQUATICS VS MARSH PLANTS
You know, not all plants are created equal. Some plants, like Anubias and Hair Grass, are actually marsh plants that do well in water, but they're not true aquatics. These plants have rigid stems and can survive out of water.
On the other hand, true aquatics like Ambulia, Cabomba, and Hornwort have soft, flexible stems with air bubbles in them. These plants are designed to thrive in water and will actually collapse if you take them out of the tank.
--------------------
IRON FERTILIZERS
If you want to give your plants a boost, consider using an iron-based fertilizer. These fertilizers are especially good for plants like Ambulia and Hygrophila, which love iron.
Just be sure to use a liquid fertilizer, as these tend to work better than tablets. And don't forget to monitor your iron levels with a test kit. Aim for about 1mg/l (1ppm).
--------------------
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
Now, I know some people swear by CO2, but the truth is, you don't really need it unless you've got a tank full of plants and only a few small fish. And even then, it's not a necessity.
You see, there's already plenty of CO2 in your tank, produced by your fish and filter bacteria. And at night, your plants actually release CO2, which is then absorbed by the atmosphere.
So, unless you've got a very specific setup, I'd say skip the CO2. And definitely avoid those liquid CO2 supplements - they're toxic and can harm your fish, shrimp, and snails.
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
Thanks a lot for all the suggestions, I really appreciate it. I'll definitely look into replanting the tips I trim, and I'll check out the plants you mentioned, like Hygrophila Siamensis 53b, Cardamine Lyrata and Pennywort species. I'll also think about adding more hardscape, like rocks and wood, to give the tank some more height. Changing to sand for the substrate is a great idea too, I know my Cories will love it. And yeah, I'll take out the shell, I didn't realize it was increasing the water hardness.
I also like the idea of adding some Water Sprite to float on the surface, and I'll look into the other plants you guys mentioned. Thanks again for all the advice!
I also like the idea of adding some Water Sprite to float on the surface, and I'll look into the other plants you guys mentioned. Thanks again for all the advice!
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
Just got back from the LFS and I'm super excited - I picked up some Lagenandra Moleboldii Red, Ludwigia Palustris Super Red, and Lysimachia Nummularia Aurea. Was really looking to grab some Vallis too, but unfortunately, they were out of stock. Thanks so much for all the advice, it really helped me make some great choices!
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
I think lagenandra is a fascinating plant, and I've found that mine does better in shaded areas. If you're looking for some unique shapes and colors, I'd highly recommend exploring different types of crypts - they're a great choice for adding some visual interest to your tank. Just be sure to research which ones prefer soft water and which ones prefer hard water, as some can be a bit finicky.
Another type of plant that I've had good luck with is apongeton - they're relatively easy to grow and can add some really interesting textures to your tank. I've seen some beautiful setups featuring these plants, like this one that has Italia val and mad lace plant (another apongeton).
For low-light areas, I've also had success with java ferns - they're great for adding some depth and visual interest, and they come in a range of textures and colors.
Another type of plant that I've had good luck with is apongeton - they're relatively easy to grow and can add some really interesting textures to your tank. I've seen some beautiful setups featuring these plants, like this one that has Italia val and mad lace plant (another apongeton).
For low-light areas, I've also had success with java ferns - they're great for adding some depth and visual interest, and they come in a range of textures and colors.
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
Just got back from another aquarium shop and managed to snag the Vallis I was after. Also picked up some floating Elodea to add to the mix. Decided to get a few more fish too - four swordtails and twelve more neptunes. Plus, I got two female bristlenose plecos, so now I'm on the hunt for a male to breed them.
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cichlidgirl22 - Posts: 121
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2022 5:07 am
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
I'm curious, what's the size of your tank?
Re: Which plants are best for my space?
20 gallons. I checked with the store guy and he said I'm good to go. My tank's got 6 harlequin rasboras, 6 fairy corydoras, a guppy, 4 swordtails, 12 neptunes, and 2 female bristlenose plecos now.