Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

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willona
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:54 pm

Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by willona »

I've got a shallow 10-gallon tank, about 8 inches deep, and I'm looking for plant recommendations. Something that won't outgrow the space too fast but still looks lush. Any ideas?
dreamy
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:10 pm

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by dreamy »

Anubias Nana or Bucephalandra would be perfect for that depth. They're slow growers and stay compact. Just attach 'em to rocks or driftwood, no need for fancy substrate. What's your lighting like?
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creekrow
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Joined: Mon May 30, 2022 7:04 pm

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by creekrow »

I've had good luck with Cryptocoryne Parva in my shallow tank. It stays low and spreads slowly. Just keep the substrate nutrient-rich, and it'll thrive. How often do you do water changes?
isledeep
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2024 10:49 am

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by isledeep »

Dwarf Hairgrass could work if you're into a carpeting effect. It's gonna need decent light and CO2, though. What's your setup like for those?
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janesa
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:56 am

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by janesa »

Java Moss is chill and easy. Just toss it in and let it do its thing. No fuss, no muss. Plus, it's great for shrimp if you're into that.
willona
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:54 pm

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by willona »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I've got moderate lighting and no CO2, so I'll probably start with Anubias Nana and Java Moss. Appreciate the help.
cyanite
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2022 6:10 am

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by cyanite »

If you're open to a bit more maintenance, Monte Carlo is another great carpeting plant for shallow tanks. It doesn't need CO2 if you're patient. Just keep the light consistent and trim regularly.
freshbait
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2022 7:48 pm

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by freshbait »

dreamy wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 12:01 pm Anubias Nana or Bucephalandra would be perfect for that depth. They're slow growers and stay compact. Just attach 'em to rocks or driftwood, no need for fancy substrate. What's your lighting like?
Yep, seconding Anubias Nana. It's bulletproof and looks slick. Just don't bury the rhizome, or it'll rot.
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luminon
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:50 am

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by luminon »

Consider Marsilea Hirsuta if you want a carpet but don't want to deal with high light or CO2. It grows slower than Monte Carlo but is way more forgiving.
fizzler
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2022 10:40 pm

Re: Plants for a Shallow Aquarium

Post by fizzler »

I'd throw in some Pogostemon Helferi for a pop of texture. It's a bit quirky but stays low and adds a cool vibe. Just don't let it dry out during water changes.
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