Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

Tank Mates

Great for community fish and Angelfish, Discus, Gourami, Guppies, Apistogramma

Notes

Anubias barteri

Tank Mates

Anubias Barteri can be plated in soil or gravel, tied to rocks, driftwood or other substrate

Notes

One of the most popular aquarium plants.  It's very hardy and easy to grow.  It's a column feeder, so no need for expensive soil but do use liquid fertilizer.

Taxiphyllum barbieri

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.

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Tank Mates

Great carpet plant.  Creates a lush looking lawn.  Closely resembles grass

Notes

Microsword is one of the easiest carpet plants for beginners.  They’re relatively hardy and look like real lawn grass.  Plant clusters about 1.5” - 2” apart and allow them to infill.  They have runners that spread over the surface and shoot roots down into the substrate.  When planting, angle into the substrate at a diagonal to minimize uplifting.

Hygrophila difformis

Tank Mates

Pearl Weed is also compatible with most nano community fish, including tetras, rasboras, danios, endlers, gouramis.  They provide lots of shade and coverage for even bottom feeders like corydoras and rainbowfish.  They create great hiding spaces for baby fry and shrimp.

Notes

Water Wisteria is a fast growing, bushy plant.  When submerged underwater, it produces a feather-like leaf structure that's different in appearance than when it's emersed from water.  It's relatively undemanding and can thrive in low to moderate light levels, but can grow tall and fast with high lighting and CO2.  Provide a nutrient rich substrate and supplement with root tabs as necessary.  It's great at consuming nitrogen waste and can be used to help combat algae.

Hemianthus callitrichoides

Tank Mates

Great carpet plants.  Good for shrimp and fish laying eggs.

Notes

Dwarf Baby Tears look very similar to Monte Carlo, but smaller and finer in size. Unfortunately, their finer appearance requires a balanced combination of soil, lighting and CO2. They are very demanding initially, but will be less work once established in your tank.

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