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What's the best plants to use in a breeding tank for livebearers? I've got a 20 gallon with guppies and wanna make sure the fry have plenty of hiding spots. Heard Java Moss is good, but wanna know what else works.

Java Moss is solid, but you might wanna try Hornwort too. It's super easy to grow and gives fry tons of cover. I've had success with it in my 30 gallon, plus it helps with water quality. What's your lighting like?

Skybolt wrote: ↑Sun Aug 24, 2025 3:35 am What's the best plants to use in a breeding tank for livebearers? I've got a 20 gallon with guppies and wanna make sure the fry have plenty of hiding spots. Heard Java Moss is good, but wanna know what else works.

For guppies, I'd recommend a mix of Java Moss, Hornwort, and Amazon Frogbit. The Frogbit's roots give fry extra hiding spots, and it's low-maintenance. What's your substrate situation?

Thanks for the suggestions. I've got sand substrate and a basic LED light, nothing fancy. Gonna grab some Hornwort and Frogbit this weekend.

Sand's chill, just make sure you're dosing some liquid ferts if you're gonna add Frogbit. It's a nutrient hog. Also, how often are you doing water changes? That can mess with plant growth if you're not consistent.

ladjack wrote: ↑Sun Aug 24, 2025 6:38 am Sand's chill, just make sure you're dosing some liquid ferts if you're gonna add Frogbit. It's a nutrient hog. Also, how often are you doing water changes? That can mess with plant growth if you're not consistent.

Exactly. I do 20% weekly changes in my breeding tanks. Keeps the water stable and the plants happy. You might also wanna consider adding some Anubias Nana. It's slow-growing but provides great cover and doesn't need much light.

Anubias Nana's a good call. Just don't bury the rhizome or it'll rot. Tie it to a rock or driftwood instead. Also, what's your temp at? Guppies breed like crazy in warmer water, but some plants don't love it.

I keep mine at 78°F, which works for both guppies and the plants I mentioned. If you go higher, you might need to adjust lighting or CO2. But with your setup, you should be fine as is.