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Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 7:52 pm
by axonify
I've been struggling to find plants that thrive in my soft water setup. My tank has a pH around 6.5, and most plants I've tried just melt away. Any recommendations for species that can handle these conditions?
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 9:18 pm
by scarlet
Anubias and Java Fern are great choices for soft water. They're low-maintenance and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. I've had success with both in my 20-gallon tank, which has similar water parameters. Just make sure to attach them to driftwood or rocks, as they don't like being buried in substrate.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 9:51 pm
by Flynxo
I agree with scarlet. Anubias is a solid pick. My tank's pH is around 6.8, and they've been growing fine. Just don't bury the rhizome, or it'll rot.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 11:30 pm
by mintwave
If you're looking for something a bit more colorful, try Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's a bit picky at first, but once it settles in, it's a champ. Mine took a few weeks to adjust, but now it's spreading like crazy. Just keep the lighting moderate, and it'll do great.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 1:27 am
by lushly
Yo, I've got soft water too, and my Bacopa Caroliniana is thriving. It's kinda slow-growing, but it's chill with the low pH. Just gotta give it some time to settle in, ya know?
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 3:14 am
by tiggyx
I've had good luck with Amazon Swords in soft water. They need a bit more light and nutrients, but they're worth the effort. My tank's pH is 6.6, and they've been growing steadily.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 3:51 am
by florax
For a carpeting plant, consider Dwarf Hairgrass. It can adapt to soft water if you provide enough light and CO2. Mine took a while to spread, but now it's covering the entire foreground of my tank.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 5:13 am
by Fable42
scarlet wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 9:18 pm
Anubias and Java Fern are great choices for soft water. They're low-maintenance and can adapt to a wide range of conditions. I've had success with both in my 20-gallon tank, which has similar water parameters. Just make sure to attach them to driftwood or rocks, as they don't like being buried in substrate.
I second this. Anubias is practically bulletproof. Just avoid high light, or you'll end up with algae on the leaves.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:32 am
by axonify
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll start with Anubias and Java Fern and see how they do. Appreciate the help.
Re: Best Plants for Soft Water
Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:55 am
by Lavent
Don't sleep on Bucephalandra, dude. It's a bit pricey, but it's got killer colors and does well in soft water. Just glue it to some hardscape and let it do its thing.