Growing plants without fertilizers or co2

[julia]

I'm planning a low-maintenance tank with minimal setup, and I'm trying to avoid spending on Co2 and ferts. The tank will be slightly acidic and tropical.

I know plants need nutrition, but I'm looking for options that can thrive with minimal care. I already have java fern and java moss in a no-ferts/no-Co2 tank, so I'm thinking of adding those. Other possibilities I've considered are pearlweed, val, elodea, and hornwort. Maybe some crypts could work too.

Do any of these plants have a good chance of succeeding in a low-tech setup like this?

[BadgersSong]

I've had good experiences with crypts in low-tech setups like yours, especially when paired with a deep sand substrate. Adding a thin layer of soil under the sand can help them establish themselves, but I've found it's not entirely necessary and can sometimes cause issues with burrowing fish. I've personally struggled to keep elodea thriving, although many others have reported success with it. If your tank receives moderate to bright lighting, you may want to consider dwarf sagittaria or bloomi fern – I've had great luck with these plants in similar conditions, and the bloomi fern has been the only carpet plant that's actually formed a dense carpet in my tanks.

My own tanks are all relatively low-tech, relying on fish waste as the primary source of nutrients and without CO2 supplementation. I do occasionally add root tabs to my larger tanks to give my amazon swords a bit of extra nourishment. Interestingly, my last few setups have even managed without filters, although I haven't yet found a way to eliminate the need for pumps and lighting.

[julia]

Thanks for the response. I appreciate the suggestions.

When you mention soil, I'm assuming you're referring to specialized planted tank soil, like the kind you'd buy from a local fish store or online. I was wondering if it's possible to use a more readily available alternative, like garden soil or plain dirt from a hardware store. I've had a bit of a rough experience with elodea in the past - a friend gave me a piece and it just turned transparent and rotted away, but I was considering giving it another shot. I'll definitely look into dwarf sagittaria and bloomi fern, though - they sound promising.

I've always been a bit hesitant to try crypts, as I've heard they can be quite delicate and prone to withering away, especially when temperatures fluctuate or they're moved around. Still, I'm willing to give them a try, especially since you've had success with them in a low-tech setup.

[Clack]

I'm curious, what's the reason behind avoiding fertilizers entirely? Most plants will benefit from some form of fertilization, even if it's just the occasional use of root tabs.

[julia]

To be honest, I'm on a tight budget and looking for plants that can thrive with minimal added ferts in a moderately stocked tank. I've got some Flourish lying around, but from past experiences, I'm not convinced it makes a significant difference.

[BadgersSong]

You can get away with using just about any type of soil, as long as it's free of chemical fertilizers - I'd steer clear of perlite though, those little white bits tend to float. If you're using bagged soil, check the ingredients list - in my experience, it's usually included - and avoid anything with added fertilizer or manure.

I've found that elodea can be a bit finicky, I think it needs a lot of light to really thrive. If you're looking for a more adaptable option, you might want to consider hornwort instead.

[Clack]

I'm planning a low-maintenance tank with minimal setup, and I'm trying to avoid spending on Co2 and ferts. The tank will be slightly acidic and tropical.

I know plants need nutrition, but I'm looking for options that can thrive with minimal care. I already have java fern and java moss in a no-ferts/no-Co2 tank, so I'm thinking of adding those. Other possibilities I've considered are pearlweed, val, elodea, and hornwort. Maybe some crypts could work too.

Do any of these plants have a good chance of succeeding in a low-tech setup like this?

I personally don't break the bank on fertilisers, I'm talking around £10 every few months for my setup. Root tabs could be a good option for you, they're not something you need to use all the time.

[bettaMagenta]

Considering floating plants might be a good idea, especially since you're looking for low-maintenance options. There are also some house plants that can thrive in an aquarium environment with no fertilizers, as long as you've got a decent fish bioload to provide the necessary nutrients. Assuming you'll have enough fish in the tank to support the plants you're considering, these alternatives might be worth exploring.

[Burgermuncher]

I've had mixed results with some plants, but Vallisnerias have been a standout for me - they take a bit of time to settle in, then the growth really takes off.

[BadgersSong]

I've had mixed results with some plants, but Vallisnerias have been a standout for me - they take a bit of time to settle in, then the growth really takes off.

That's odd, I had the opposite experience with val in my 150g. It initially didn't do well and just sort of... gave up. But then, out of the blue, it just took off. Now I'm constantly pulling out massive clumps of the stuff - I swear, it's like they multiply overnight.