what plants look good with neons?

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oceanmix
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2022 11:21 am

what plants look good with neons?

Post by oceanmix »

I'm setting up a 20 gallon tank for neon tetras and want some plants that'll make them pop. What's worked for you guys? I've got a sand substrate and moderate lighting.
NanoAce
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2024 10:26 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by NanoAce »

Neons look fantastic against dark green plants like Java Fern or Anubias. They're low maintenance and won't mess with your water params. I'd avoid stem plants if you're new, they can be finicky.
squashy
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:45 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by squashy »

Yep, Anubias is a solid pick. My neons love hiding in the leaves. Also, try some floating plants like Frogbit, gives 'em shade and makes the colors stand out.
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keyport
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Joined: Thu May 12, 2022 1:41 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by keyport »

I got some Cryptocoryne Wendtii in my tank, and the neons dig it. It's chill, doesn't need much light, and spreads nice. Just don't move it around too much, it's kinda dramatic.
furline
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 15, 2024 1:57 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by furline »

Dude, go for some Rotala Rotundifolia. The reds and greens make the neons glow. Just keep the light steady, or it'll go all leggy on ya.
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saltWaterFreak
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Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:35 am

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by saltWaterFreak »

NanoAce wrote: Sun Aug 17, 2025 2:29 pm Neons look fantastic against dark green plants like Java Fern or Anubias. They're low maintenance and won't mess with your water params. I'd avoid stem plants if you're new, they can be finicky.
Totally agree. Java Fern is bulletproof. Just tie it to driftwood and forget about it. Neons love the cover too.
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florabuzz
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Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2022 5:34 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by florabuzz »

Try some Dwarf Sagittaria. It's easy, carpets nice, and the neons dart through it like it's a mini jungle. Plus, it's cheap and grows fast.
duskbloom
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:45 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by duskbloom »

I'd throw in some Ludwigia Repens. The red leaves make the neons' blue stripes pop. Just gotta trim it now and then, or it'll take over.
finley1
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Aug 23, 2024 10:10 am

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by finley1 »

My neons seem happiest with Vallisneria. It's tall, so they can swim through it, and it doesn't need much care.
Riverwolf
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Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2022 12:19 pm

Re: what plants look good with neons?

Post by Riverwolf »

squashy wrote: Sun Aug 17, 2025 2:54 pm Yep, Anubias is a solid pick. My neons love hiding in the leaves. Also, try some floating plants like Frogbit, gives 'em shade and makes the colors stand out.
That's a great combo. The shade from Frogbit really brings out their colors, and it's so calming to watch them dart in and out.
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