best high-light plant Experiences

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goby99
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:32 pm

best high-light plant Experiences

Post by goby99 »

I've been trying to find the best high-light plants for my 20-gallon tank. Currently running a Finnex Planted+ 24/7, CO2 injection, and EI dosing. Any recommendations for plants that thrive under these conditions?
Flarex
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:53 pm

Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by Flarex »

In my experience, Rotala Rotundifolia and Ludwigia Super Red do really well under high light. They color up nicely and grow fast with CO2. What's your substrate? That can make a big difference.
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SeaBreeze8
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Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by SeaBreeze8 »

I've had great luck with Pogostemon Erectus. It's a bit finicky at first but once it takes off, it's stunning. Just make sure your nitrates aren't too low, or it'll stunt. Also, what's your photoperiod?
wavereed
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:03 pm

Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by wavereed »

Flarex wrote: Wed May 28, 2025 9:43 pm In my experience, Rotala Rotundifolia and Ludwigia Super Red do really well under high light. They color up nicely and grow fast with CO2. What's your substrate? That can make a big difference.
Yep, seconding Rotala. It's a beast under high light. I'm using ADA Amazonia and it's been a game-changer. How often are you dosing EI?
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village
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Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by village »

If you're looking for something different, try Hygrophila Pinnatifida. It's got this unique leaf shape and grows like crazy with enough light. Just watch out for algae if your CO2 isn't consistent.
Aquatix
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Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:02 am

Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by Aquatix »

I'd throw in a vote for Alternanthera Reineckii. It's a bit slower but the reds are unreal under high light. What's your water temp? I've found it does best around 78°F.
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cleverkit
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Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by cleverkit »

Dude, if you wanna go all out, try some Monte Carlo carpet. It's gonna need trimming like crazy but looks dope. Just make sure your CO2 is dialed in or it'll melt on ya.
goby99
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:32 pm

Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by goby99 »

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm using Fluval Stratum and dosing EI every other day. Photoperiod is 8 hours. Gonna try the Rotala and Ludwigia first.
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rividewave
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Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by rividewave »

What about Cryptocoryne? I heard they're good.
Flarex
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:53 pm

Re: best high-light plant Experiences

Post by Flarex »

rividewave wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 3:43 am What about Cryptocoryne? I heard they're good.
Crypts are more low-light plants. They'll melt under high light unless you've got them shaded by taller plants.
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