Best Plants for Soft Water

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axonify
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Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2022 4:03 pm

Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by axonify »

I've been struggling to find plants that thrive in my soft water setup. My tank has a pH around 6.5, and most plants I've tried just melt away. Any recommendations for species that can handle these conditions?
scarlet
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:10 pm

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by scarlet »

Anubias and Java Fern are great choices for soft water. They're low-maintenance and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. I've had success with both in my 20-gallon tank, which has similar water parameters. Just make sure to attach them to driftwood or rocks, as they don't like being buried in substrate.
Flynxo
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:45 pm

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by Flynxo »

I agree with scarlet. Anubias is a solid pick. My tank's pH is around 6.8, and they've been growing fine. Just don't bury the rhizome, or it'll rot.
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mintwave
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Joined: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:49 am

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by mintwave »

If you're looking for something a bit more colorful, try Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's a bit picky at first, but once it settles in, it's a champ. Mine took a few weeks to adjust, but now it's spreading like crazy. Just keep the lighting moderate, and it'll do great.
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lushly
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Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2024 9:25 am

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by lushly »

Yo, I've got soft water too, and my Bacopa Caroliniana is thriving. It's kinda slow-growing, but it's chill with the low pH. Just gotta give it some time to settle in, ya know?
tiggyx
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:11 pm

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by tiggyx »

I've had good luck with Amazon Swords in soft water. They need a bit more light and nutrients, but they're worth the effort. My tank's pH is 6.6, and they've been growing steadily.
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florax
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Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2022 8:22 pm

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by florax »

For a carpeting plant, consider Dwarf Hairgrass. It can adapt to soft water if you provide enough light and CO2. Mine took a while to spread, but now it's covering the entire foreground of my tank.
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Fable42
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Joined: Wed Aug 21, 2024 5:55 am

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by Fable42 »

scarlet wrote: Wed May 21, 2025 9:18 pm Anubias and Java Fern are great choices for soft water. They're low-maintenance and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. I've had success with both in my 20-gallon tank, which has similar water parameters. Just make sure to attach them to driftwood or rocks, as they don't like being buried in substrate.
I second this. Anubias is practically bulletproof. Just avoid high light, or you'll end up with algae on the leaves.
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axonify
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Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2022 4:03 pm

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by axonify »

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll start with Anubias and Java Fern and see how they do. Appreciate the help.
Lavent
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Joined: Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:34 am

Re: Best Plants for Soft Water

Post by Lavent »

Don't sleep on Bucephalandra, dude. It's a bit pricey, but it's got killer colors and does well in soft water. Just glue it to some hardscape and let it do its thing.
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