Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a South American biotope tank and need plant suggestions. What's worked for you guys in terms of authenticity and ease of care?

Yo, go for Amazon Sword, it's a classic. Grows like crazy if you got decent light and some root tabs. Also, Frogbit for the surface, gives that natural vibe.

For a true South American biotope, consider Echinodorus species like Echinodorus bleheri or Echinodorus cordifolius. They're native to the region and thrive in soft, slightly acidic water. Pair them with Cabomba for a dense, natural look.

shellzone wrote: ↑Wed Jul 23, 2025 9:41 pm Yo, go for Amazon Sword, it's a classic. Grows like crazy if you got decent light and some root tabs. Also, Frogbit for the surface, gives that natural vibe.

Amazon Sword is great, but it can get huge. Make sure your tank's big enough or you'll be trimming constantly.

Don't forget about Vallisneria. It's super hardy and spreads easily, perfect for a biotope. Just watch out for runners if you don't want it taking over.

I've had luck with Ludwigia repens in my biotope. It adds a nice pop of red and grows well in low-tech setups. Just needs a bit of iron to keep the color.

What about substrate? You gonna use sand or something fancier? Plants like Amazon Sword need good root nutrition.

Dude, if you're going for authenticity, gotta throw in some Salvinia. It's a floating plant that's all over South America. Plus, it's chill and easy to manage.

I agree with Astropeaks on the Echinodorus. They're stunning and really capture the biotope feel. Just make sure your lighting isn't too intense or you'll get algae issues.

How about some Cryptocoryne? They're slow growers but super low maintenance once established. Perfect for a lazy biotope keeper like me.