Page 1 of 2
plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 8:23 am
by folded
I've got a 20 gallon tank with a few mollies and wanna add some plants. What's gonna work best with them? I've heard they nibble on stuff, so I'm kinda worried about picking the wrong ones.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 9:18 am
by angelus
Mollies can be lil' munchers, but they usually leave tougher plants alone. Java Fern and Anubias are solid picks, they're tough and don't need much light. Just attach 'em to driftwood or rocks, no need to bury the roots. My mollies never messed with 'em.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 9:30 am
by soltero9
Yep, Java Fern is a good call. I've got some in my molly tank too, and they're doing fine. What kinda substrate you using? I've got sand, and the plants seem to like it.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 10:12 am
by DaisyDew
If you're worried about nibbling, try Hornwort. It grows fast, so even if they take a bite, it'll bounce back quick. Plus, it's great for water quality. Just be ready to trim it often, it can get wild.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:01 pm
by floriks
angelus wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 9:18 am
Mollies can be lil' munchers, but they usually leave tougher plants alone. Java Fern and Anubias are solid picks, they're tough and don't need much light. Just attach 'em to driftwood or rocks, no need to bury the roots. My mollies never messed with 'em.
Agreed, but if you want something with more color, try Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's hardy, and the red varieties add a nice pop. Just keep an eye on your water params, mollies can be picky about hardness.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 12:58 pm
by cora
I've had luck with Amazon Swords in my molly tank. They're big and leafy, so the mollies can't destroy 'em too fast. Just make sure you've got root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate, they're heavy feeders.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:45 pm
by folded
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll start with Java Fern and see how it goes. My tank's got sand too, so hopefully that'll work out.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 4:23 pm
by angelus
Sand is chill for Java Fern, just don't bury the rhizome. Let it float or tie it down. Oh, and if you're feeling fancy, toss in some floating plants like Frogbit. Mollies love hanging out under the roots.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 4:56 pm
by soltero9
Frogbit's a great idea. My mollies are always hiding in the roots. Just watch out, it can block light if you let it take over.
Re: plants that pair with mollies
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 5:51 pm
by DaisyDew
If you go with Frogbit, keep your filter flow low. Too much current and it'll just get pushed around. Learned that the hard way.