plants that work with tetras

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Haterw
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:47 am

plants that work with tetras

Post by Haterw »

What plants do y'all recommend for a tank with Neon Tetras? I've got a 20 gallon, low tech setup, and my current plants are kinda struggling. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Using a basic LED light, no CO2.
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Kalixar
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2024 10:02 am

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by Kalixar »

Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices, dude. They're low maintenance and can handle the chill vibe of a Tetra tank. Just tie 'em to driftwood or rocks. My Neon Tetras love hiding in the leaves, and the plants don't mind the low light.
Starling
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:50 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by Starling »

I've had good luck with Amazon Swords in my Tetra tank. They grow pretty big, so make sure you've got space. Mine are in a 30 gallon with sand substrate and root tabs. The Tetras seem to enjoy swimming through the leaves.
oaknut
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 21, 2023 8:32 am

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by oaknut »

Cryptocorynes are another option. They're slow growers but hardy once established. I've got Crypt Wendtii in my 20 gallon with Ember Tetras. The red variety adds nice color contrast. Just don't move them too much, they don't like being disturbed.
creekie
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:42 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by creekie »

Kalixar wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:09 am Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices, dude. They're low maintenance and can handle the chill vibe of a Tetra tank. Just tie 'em to driftwood or rocks. My Neon Tetras love hiding in the leaves, and the plants don't mind the low light.
Yep, second this. Anubias is bulletproof. I've got some in my Tetra tank that's been going strong for years. Just watch out for algae if the light's too strong.
RivenOil
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:56 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by RivenOil »

If you're up for a challenge, try some stem plants like Hornwort or Water Wisteria. They grow fast and provide great cover for Tetras. Just be ready to trim often. I run a 20 gallon with these and my Tetras breed like crazy in the dense foliage.
trail9
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue May 31, 2022 7:51 am

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by trail9 »

Dude, just throw in some duckweed and call it a day. Your Tetras will love it, and you'll never have to worry about planting again. Bonus: it's basically impossible to kill. Downside: you'll never get rid of it either.
azulwave
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:25 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by azulwave »

Starling wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 1:40 am I've had good luck with Amazon Swords in my Tetra tank. They grow pretty big, so make sure you've got space. Mine are in a 30 gallon with sand substrate and root tabs. The Tetras seem to enjoy swimming through the leaves.
Amazon Swords are great, but they do need root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate. If you're not into that, floaters like Frogbit or Salvinia are easier and still provide cover.
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Tigger
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:17 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by Tigger »

For a 20 gallon, I'd mix it up. Anubias or Java Fern on the hardscape, some Crypts in the midground, and maybe a couple stem plants in the back. That'll give your Tetras plenty of hiding spots and swimming lanes. My setup's similar, and the fish are always active.
pestocrat
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:27 pm

Re: plants that work with tetras

Post by pestocrat »

Dwarf Sagittaria is another underrated option. It's a foreground plant that spreads like a carpet. My Tetras love darting through it. Grows well in sand or gravel, doesn't need crazy light. Just give it time to establish.
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