| Content | Cryptocoryne Parva
Characteristics:
Max Size: 3″
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Foreground + Carpet
Parameters
Co2: Not Required, but grows faster with
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Great for community fish and creates a nice habitat for bottom dwellers.
Notes
Very slow growing plant. They tend to melt when first introduced underwater. New sprouts will grow over time. Algae can grow on their leaves, so keeping them in partial shade is OK. Supplement with root feeders to keep them healthy and thriving.
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Cryptocoryne Spiralis
Characteristics:
Max Size: 18″
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Background
Parameters
Co2: Not Required, but grows faster with
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Most community nano fish like tetras, danios rasboras, pencilfish, kilifish, platties and dwarf grouramis. Shrimps and snails also benefit from their tall leaves. Avoid fish that may shift the soil or uproot it.
Notes
This plant is susceptible to melting but at a much lesser rate compared to other Cryptocorynes. It shoots runners on the surface and can propogate slowly with low to moderate lighting. It typically averages around 10-18" in height but can grow up to 24" in tall tanks. Decrease the lighting intensity if algae starts to develop on the leaves. | Hydrocotyle tripartita
Characteristics:
Max Size: 5"
Care Level: Medium
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Foreground
Parameters
Co2: Low - Medium
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Low foreground plants are great for invertebrates and bottom feeders to graze and hide.
Notes
Hydrocotle Japan make great foreground and midground plants. The clover-like appearance of this plant creates a unique carpet experience. It’s very hardy, undemanding and can quickly cover your foreground. High lighting will help this plant grow low and spread. Insufficient lighting will have the clovers reaching for the sky. CO2 again will help with density and compactness.
Compare carpet plant options and select the next one for your planted tank
See the diagrams on how you can setup CO2 for your aquarium | Staurogyne repens
Characteristics:
Max Size: 4"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Foreground
Parameters
Co2: None
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Most community and nano fish such as tetras, rasboras, danios, mollies. Bottom feeders like otocinclus, corydoras, shrimps and snails. Larger fish like African Cichlids OK too.
Notes
Staurogyne Repens, also known as Creeping Staurogyne is an easy plant that does well in low or indirect lighting conditions. Supplemented with CO2 and root fertilizers, it can creep throughout your substrate and carpet an aquarium. | Sagittaria subulata
Characteristics:
Max Size: 5″
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Midground
Parameters
Co2: Not Required, but grows faster with
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Great for community fish and creates a nice habitat for bottom dwellers.
Notes
Dwarf Sagittaria is one of the easiest aquarium plants for beginners. They're hardy and undemanding, sprouting runners in the soil. You can densify them in the foreground or place them in spots at the midground of your tank. Providing root tabs will supplement their growth. Higher CO2 and lighting will grow and spread them rapidly.
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Taxiphyllum barbieri
Characteristics:
Max Size: 6"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Column Feeder
Composition: Background
Parameters
Co2: None
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Shrimps can graze and keep Java moss clean of algae. In return, baby fry love to nest and hide in it.
Notes
As the name states, Java Moss is actually a moss and is a type of plant that has no roots. Their nutrients do not come from the substrate but rather the water column. This is probably one of the most hardy and versatile plant species you can ever grow. You can tie or glue them to rocks and wood and let them create a nice foreground. Some will tie them to shaped mesh and mimic a carpet appearance on the ground.
Compare carpet plant options and select the next one for your planted tank
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ |
