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What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 3:47 pm
by pepper
I'm setting up a low-tech tank and need some plant recommendations. What's your favorite easy-to-grow plant that doesn't need CO2 or fancy lights?
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 5:31 pm
by BoldRom
Anubias is my go-to. It's super hardy, grows slow but steady, and doesn't mind low light. I've got mine tied to driftwood in a 20-gallon with basic LED lighting, and it's thriving. Just don't bury the rhizome.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 6:08 pm
by dusky9
BoldRom wrote: ↑Tue Jun 24, 2025 5:31 pm
Anubias is my go-to. It's super hardy, grows slow but steady, and doesn't mind low light. I've got mine tied to driftwood in a 20-gallon with basic LED lighting, and it's thriving. Just don't bury the rhizome.
Yep, Anubias is a champ. I've even had it survive in a tank with zero ferts and minimal water changes. Java Fern is another solid pick if you want variety.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 6:52 pm
by kicks
Java Moss, hands down. It's basically indestructible. I've got it in a 10-gallon with a sponge filter and no heater, and it's spreading like crazy. Perfect for shrimp tanks too.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 8:25 pm
by sandbaker
Cryptocoryne Wendtii is underrated. It melts at first but bounces back strong. My 30-gallon has it in sand substrate, and it's lush with just a cheap LED strip.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 10:19 pm
by fluxon
kicks wrote: ↑Tue Jun 24, 2025 6:52 pm
Java Moss, hands down. It's basically indestructible. I've got it in a 10-gallon with a sponge filter and no heater, and it's spreading like crazy. Perfect for shrimp tanks too.
Java Moss is great, but it can get messy if you don't trim it regularly. I prefer Marimo balls for zero maintenance.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 10:52 pm
by foxhunter
Hornwort is my fave. It grows like a weed, even in my dimly lit 55-gallon. Just float it or plant it, and it'll soak up nitrates like a sponge. Plus, my betta loves hiding in it.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2025 11:55 pm
by raylyn
Amazon Sword is a classic. It needs root tabs but otherwise thrives in low tech. My 40-gallon has two, and they're almost too big now. Great for filling space.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2025 12:42 am
by oceanorb
foxhunter wrote: ↑Tue Jun 24, 2025 10:52 pm
Hornwort is my fave. It grows like a weed, even in my dimly lit 55-gallon. Just float it or plant it, and it'll soak up nitrates like a sponge. Plus, my betta loves hiding in it.
Hornwort is solid, but it sheds like crazy. I switched to Water Wisteria for similar benefits without the mess.
Re: What's Your Favorite Low-Tech Plant?
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2025 1:56 am
by polaris
Duckweed gets a bad rap, but it's killer for nitrate control. Just be ready to scoop it out weekly unless you wanna be overrun.