| Content | Lemnoideae
Characteristics:
Max Size: 0.5"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Column Feeder
Composition: Floating
PH: 6.5 - 7.5
Parameters
Co2: None
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Shrimp, snails, guppies, gouramis, betta, tetras, rasboras, danios
Notes
Duckweed is one of the most hardy and easy floating plants. Under high lighting, it grows fast and extends its roots several inches into the water column. Shrimp love to rest on the roots and baby fry love to hide in the plants. The floating nature provide some shade and coverage while slowing down surface water movement. Be sure Duckweed does not overgrow and labyrinth fish have some areas to come up and breathe.
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Micranthemum tweediei
Characteristics:
Max Size: 2"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Carpet, Foreground
Parameters
Co2: Low - none
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Low foreground plants are great for invertebrates and bottom feeders to graze and hide.
Notes
Monte Carlo is another easy carpet plant, but like most will take a bit of time to establish without CO2. Their roots will go into the soil, but their runners will spread on the surface where new stems will grow. The short and bushy profile makes a great foreground look. Trimmings can be planted right back into the substrate.
Compare carpet plant options and select the next one for your planted tank
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Microsorum pteropus
Characteristics:
Max Size: 12"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Column Feeder
Composition: Background
Parameters
Co2: None
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Great for community fish and Angelfish, Discus, Gourami, Guppies, Apistogramma
Notes
Java Fern can be plated in soil or tied to rocks and other substrate
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/
| 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/ | Limnobium Laevigatum
Characteristics:
Max Size: 2.5"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Column Feeder
Composition: Floating
PH: 6 - 7.5
Parameters
Co2: None
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Shrimp, snails, guppies, gouramis, betta, tetras, rasboras, danios
Notes
Frogbit is one of the most hardy and easy floating plants. Under high lighting, it grows fast and extends its roots several inches into the water column. Shrimp love to rest on the roots and baby fry love to hide in the plants. The floating nature provide some shade and coverage while slowing down surface water movement. Be sure Duckweed does not overgrow and labyrinth fish have some areas to come up and breathe.
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Vesicularia montagnei
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
Christmas moss is a great alternative to Java Moss. It's another rootless plant where nutrients are not absorbed 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
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ |
