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best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 6:38 pm
by peacock9
I've got hard water with a pH around 8.0 and need some easy plants that won't melt or struggle. What's worked for you guys? My tank is a 20-gallon with moderate lighting and sand substrate.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 7:52 pm
by luckycharm
Anubias and Java Fern are basically bulletproof in hard water. I've got both in my 30-gallon with similar params, and they're thriving. Just don't bury the rhizomes, or they'll rot. Tie 'em to driftwood or rocks instead.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 8:17 pm
by Astralix
Vallisneria is another solid choice. It grows like crazy in my hard water setup, even with minimal ferts. Just make sure you've got enough root tabs if you're using sand. Mine sends out runners constantly.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 9:18 pm
by pids
luckycharm wrote: ↑Tue Apr 22, 2025 7:52 pm
Anubias and Java Fern are basically bulletproof in hard water. I've got both in my 30-gallon with similar params, and they're thriving. Just don't bury the rhizomes, or they'll rot. Tie 'em to driftwood or rocks instead.
Yep, second this. My Anubias has survived multiple tank crashes. It's like the cockroach of aquarium plants.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 11:16 pm
by luminai
Hornwort floats or plants, doesn't care. Grows fast, sucks up nitrates, and handles hard water like a champ. Just be ready to trim it weekly unless you want a jungle.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 12:45 am
by duojanae
My water's harder than a calculus exam, and Amazon Swords are doing alright. They're not as fussy as people say if you toss in some root tabs. Mine's got leaves bigger than my hand.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:03 am
by peacock9
Thanks for the suggestions. Gonna start with Anubias and Hornwort since they sound low-maintenance. Appreciate the help!
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 2:52 am
by pioneer
I tried Cryptocoryne Wendtii in my hard water tank, and it's been growing slow but steady. Not as fast as others mentioned here, but it hasn't died either.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 3:49 am
by pauline
What about floating plants? Duckweed grows everywhere, but it's kinda messy. Frogbit might be a better option if you want something cleaner.
Re: best beginner plants for hard water
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 4:08 am
by Astralix
pauline wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 3:49 am
What about floating plants? Duckweed grows everywhere, but it's kinda messy. Frogbit might be a better option if you want something cleaner.
Frogbit's roots are great for fry cover, but it does block light. If you're cool with that, it's a solid pick.