| Content | 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/ | Echinodorus amazonicus
Characteristics:
Max Size: 20″
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: In soil - Root Feeder
Composition: Background
Parameters
Co2: Not Required
Light Level: Low to Medium
Tank Mates
Great for community fish and Angelfish, Discus, Gourami, Guppies, Apistogramma
Notes
Oscars, Cichlids, Goldfish and Plecos may damage swords
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Characteristics:
Max Size: 24"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Column Feeder
Composition: Background
Parameters
Co2: Low
Light Low
Tank Mates
Low foreground plants are great for invertebrates and bottom feeders to graze and hide.
Notes
This is a versatile plant that can be planted in the soil or left floating. It's easily recognized by its thin stems and round leaves varying from 1 - 2.5" in diameter. Though it does not require CO2 or high lighting, it can grow fast and tall when provided with optimal levels of both. Because the roots shoot from the sides, it's a great column feeding plant that can help reduce nitrates. | Cryptocoryne Petchii
Characteristics:
Max Size: 6″
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Foreground
Parameters
Co2: Not Required, but grows faster with
Light Level: Low
Tank Mates
Popular foreground plant for shrimps, snails and bottom feeders. Avoid fish that may shift the soil or uproot it.
Notes
Easy growing plant that's expected to melt in the initial stages of planting underwater. Feed it root tabs and occasionally supplement with liquid fertilizers including Iron which can help promote coloration.
https://plantedtankmates.com/aquarium-plants-for-beginners/ | Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Characteristics:
Max Size: 3"
Care Level: Easy
Nutrient Source: Root Feeder
Composition: Carpet and Foreground
Parameters
Co2: Optional
Light Level: Medium to High
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.
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 | 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/ |
