Plants for a High-Flow Tank

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RavenFusion
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:59 pm

Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by RavenFusion »

I've got a 55-gallon tank with a canister filter pushing a lot of flow. What plants can handle the current without getting ripped apart? I've tried Java Fern but it's not thriving.
wade
Posts: 9
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2022 10:23 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by wade »

Anubias and Bucephalandra are solid choices for high-flow tanks. They attach to rocks or driftwood, so the roots aren't disturbed. I've had success with both in my 75-gallon with a Fluval FX6. Just make sure the rhizome isn't buried.
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dramion
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Joined: Tue Aug 15, 2023 3:24 am

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by dramion »

Yo, my tank's got a crazy current too, and my Amazon Swords are kinda vibing with it. They're big enough to not get tossed around. Just gotta anchor 'em good with some root tabs.
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sandie
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 9:32 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by sandie »

I agree with wade about Anubias. They're so hardy! Mine have been through all sorts of flow changes and still look great. Maybe try tying them down with fishing line until they attach.
timeon
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:42 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by timeon »

dramion wrote: Sat May 24, 2025 5:59 pm Yo, my tank's got a crazy current too, and my Amazon Swords are kinda vibing with it. They're big enough to not get tossed around. Just gotta anchor 'em good with some root tabs.
Amazon Swords can work, but they need strong roots first. I'd recommend starting them in a lower-flow area until they establish. Also, Vallisneria is another option—it's flexible and sways with the current.
flintix
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:30 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by flintix »

My tank's got high flow, and the Java Moss is doing alright. It's kinda just floating around, but it's growing. Not sure if that's helpful.
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darksteps
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:19 am

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by darksteps »

I've seen Hornwort work in high flow. It's kinda wild looking, but it doesn't care about the current. Just floats wherever.
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RiverEdge
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:05 am

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by RiverEdge »

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is another option. It's a slower grower, but once established, it can handle moderate to high flow. Just make sure the substrate is deep enough for the roots.
Fawni
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:07 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by Fawni »

My tank's got a lot of flow, and the plants keep dying. Maybe I'll try the Anubias thing.
RavenFusion
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:59 pm

Re: Plants for a High-Flow Tank

Post by RavenFusion »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll grab some Anubias and Bucephalandra and see how they do. Appreciate the help!
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