what plants grow fast for cover?

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patronix
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:05 pm

what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by patronix »

Looking for plants that grow fast to cover up some bare spots in my tank. Got a 20 gallon with moderate lighting and CO2. What's gonna spread quick without being a total pain to maintain?
Cloudy
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2024 6:21 am

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by Cloudy »

Hornwort is a solid choice. It grows like crazy in almost any conditions, and you can just float it or plant it. My 30 gallon is full of the stuff, and it's great for fry cover too.
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onyxwolf
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2022 5:57 am

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by onyxwolf »

I've had good luck with Water Wisteria. It roots easily and spreads fast if you trim and replant the cuttings. Just keep an eye on it or it'll take over.
fluffit
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2023 2:55 am

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by fluffit »

Dwarf Sagittaria is another option. It carpets well and grows fast under moderate light. Doesn't need CO2, but it'll spread quicker if you have it.
heartify
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:29 pm

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by heartify »

Pearlweed is underrated. It grows fast, can be trimmed low for a carpet, or let it go bushy. Works in low tech setups too.
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goldminer
Posts: 140
Joined: Sun May 01, 2022 10:09 pm

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by goldminer »

My tank's a mess, but Duckweed covers everything. It's like the herpes of aquarium plants. You'll never get rid of it once it's in there.
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olivena
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2022 5:22 pm

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by olivena »

goldminer wrote: Wed Jun 04, 2025 2:21 am My tank's a mess, but Duckweed covers everything. It's like the herpes of aquarium plants. You'll never get rid of it once it's in there.
Duckweed is effective, but it blocks light for everything else. Maybe try Frogbit instead. It's easier to manage and still grows fast.
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flyer9
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:59 pm

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by flyer9 »

I'd recommend Brazilian Pennywort. It grows fast, can be planted or floated, and looks great. Plus, it's easy to trim back if it gets too wild.
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bakerio
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:10 am

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by bakerio »

Avoid fast growers if you're not prepared for constant maintenance. They can choke out other plants and cause nutrient imbalances.
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HarrisE
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:27 pm

Re: what plants grow fast for cover?

Post by HarrisE »

Anacharis is another good one. Grows fast, provides great cover, and helps with water quality. Just don't let it get too dense or it'll start dying off in the middle.
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