Who Gives A Fish Forums

Hi everyone,

I'm after a low-maintenance setup for my small tank, as free time is scarce outside of work right now. I do want to add some plants though - I think they're nice for the fish. What plants work well with basic setups? I'm looking for a few simple ones that'll thrive in a bright room with a standard tank light. I'm happy to add some nutrients every now and then. I've got pygmy cories and a few shrimp, nothing fancy.

Thanks for your help, I'm hoping this is my last question for a bit.

I've got a low-maintenance approach to plants too, basically ones that are tough to kill.
 
I've got Anubias, java fern, and amazon swords in my tank and they're doing great. I just trim off the dead leaves every now and then, maybe once a month, and that's about it. They always seem to stay nice and healthy, really lush and green.

I've had great success with Java fern and Anubias, both of which are incredibly hardy. I've grown them in tanks and bowls with no heat or lighting, and they've thrived. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they also come in a variety of leaf shapes and colours, allowing you to add some visual interest to your tank. I'm particularly fond of the Trident Java fern - I think it's a big improvement over the standard variety. The Windelov Java fern is also worth considering, it's a really nice-looking plant.

Java moss is another option, people have literally grown it outside of water and it still thrives. It grows steadily in any light, and I've heard of people throwing it away only to find it growing in their drain. It's a great choice because it doesn't need roots, instead it forms a lush green mat on anything you put it on, which is perfect for a low-maintenance tank like you're looking for.

Anubias and Java ferns are pretty hardy, I've got a few varieties of Java ferns myself - regular, Windelov, narrow leaf, and Philippine. Also had some success with Bolbitus, Crypt wendtii and Val, all seem to do alright with minimal fuss.

Java Moss is basically indestructible - I've seen it grow in weird ways, but it just won't give up. Anubias are great too, and most crypts are super resilient - they can handle just about anything.

I'm going to chime in with the same suggestions as others, but I genuinely think they're worth mentioning - Anubias, Java Moss, and Java Fern are incredibly resilient. I've also had great success with Marimo Moss Balls; I have a few tiny ones and a couple of larger ones, and even the small ones made it through a weeks-long shipping process looking healthy and green. My setup is pretty basic - heated tanks with small LED lights and occasional doses of liquid ferts.

Thanks everyone for the tips, really appreciate it. I'm definitely going to look into those plants you've all mentioned, sounds like they'll be perfect for my low-maintenance tank.

I'd add that Zorchzon swords are pretty robust too, you'd have to try to kill them, and they're a sight to behold when they get big, plus they're great at soaking up ammonia.

I've had great luck with Java fern, it's basically indestructible. I left it in a neglected 55 gallon tank for months, with old dirty water and zero maintenance - no trimming, no nothing. The tank was in a dark corner of my room, and the water was unheated, but the Java fern just kept on growing.