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plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 12:58 pm
by saltWaterFreak
I've got a 20 gallon long with a school of zebra danios and wanna add some plants. What's gonna work best with these fast little dudes? They're always zipping around, so I need something sturdy that won't get uprooted.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 1:04 pm
by medic23
Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices. They're tough, don't need much light, and can be tied to rocks or driftwood so the danios won't mess with them. I've had both in my danio tank for months with no issues.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 2:15 pm
by kangaview
I'd also recommend Vallisneria. It grows tall and provides cover, plus the roots anchor well in gravel or sand. My danios love swimming through the leaves, and it's never been uprooted.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 3:33 pm
by goldrush
Cryptocorynes are another good option. They're low maintenance and can handle the danios' energy. Just make sure you plant them deep enough so they don't get knocked loose.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 7:14 pm
by Aidsy
Yo, my danios wrecked my Hornwort. That stuff floats everywhere. Stick to the heavy roots, like what medic23 said. Anubias is chill.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 8:12 pm
by mystic
Floating plants like Frogbit or Salvinia can work if you want shade. Danios don't bother them, and they help with water quality.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:28 pm
by saltWaterFreak
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna start with Anubias and Vallisneria and see how it goes.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 11:26 pm
by medic23
saltWaterFreak wrote: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:28 pm Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna start with Anubias and Vallisneria and see how it goes.
Good call. Just remember to tie the Anubias instead of planting it in the substrate. The rhizome will rot if buried.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 11:43 pm
by goldrush
Yeah, and if you're using Vallisneria, give it a few weeks to settle. It might melt at first but usually bounces back strong.

Re: plants that work with danios

Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 12:23 am
by kangaview
I've had success with Amazon Swords too. They're bigger, so they need space, but danios leave them alone once they're established.