plants that don't need co2

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pengu
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plants that don't need co2

Post by pengu »

What are some good low-tech plants that don't need CO2? I've got a 20-gallon tank with moderate lighting and wanna keep it simple. Heard Anubias and Java Fern are good, but wanna know if there are others.
brazor
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:03 pm

Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by brazor »

Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices. They're hardy and don't need much light or CO2. I'd also recommend Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's slow-growing but thrives in low-tech setups. Just make sure your substrate isn't too coarse, or the roots might struggle.
metiteh
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:06 pm

Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by metiteh »

Yeah, Crypts are great. I've got some in my 30-gallon with sand substrate. They've been growing fine without CO2, just occasional liquid ferts. Also, try Hornwort. It's a floater but can be planted, and it grows like crazy even in low light.
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finnley8
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Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by finnley8 »

I've had luck with Amazon Swords in my low-tech tank. They're big, so maybe not ideal for a 20-gallon, but they don't need CO2. Just root tabs and decent lighting. My Betta loves hiding in the leaves.
muddy
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Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by muddy »

Dude, Moss Balls are the ultimate low-tech plant. Zero effort, just toss 'em in. They don't even need to be planted. Plus, they're kinda fun to roll around during water changes.
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pengu
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Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by pengu »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Crypts and Moss Balls first. Heard they're pretty chill.
flame8
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Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:38 pm

Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by flame8 »

If you're looking for something colorful, try Ludwigia Repens. It can turn red even without CO2 if the lighting is decent. Just keep an eye on nitrates, or the leaves might melt.
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briko9
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Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by briko9 »

muddy wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 3:39 am Dude, Moss Balls are the ultimate low-tech plant. Zero effort, just toss 'em in. They don't even need to be planted. Plus, they're kinda fun to roll around during water changes.
True, but watch out for fake Moss Balls. Some stores sell marimo lookalikes that don't last. Real ones should feel firm and fuzzy.
lionstar
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Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2022 12:37 pm

Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by lionstar »

Vallisneria is another option. It grows tall and spreads fast, so you might need to trim it. But it's super low-maintenance and doesn't need CO2. Just make sure your water isn't too soft, or it might struggle.
metiteh
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Re: plants that don't need co2

Post by metiteh »

finnley8 wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2025 1:46 am I've had luck with Amazon Swords in my low-tech tank. They're big, so maybe not ideal for a 20-gallon, but they don't need CO2. Just root tabs and decent lighting. My Betta loves hiding in the leaves.
Yeah, Swords can work in a 20-gallon if you trim the leaves regularly. Just don't let them overshadow smaller plants.
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