What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Talk about your fresh water plants here
meta_code
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:09 pm

What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by meta_code »

I've got a 55 gallon tank with three goldfish and wanna add some plants. Every time I try, they just get destroyed. What plants actually survive with goldfish? My tank's got a sand substrate, moderate lighting, and a canister filter.
waveflow
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Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2023 12:57 am

Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by waveflow »

Goldfish are notorious for uprooting and munching on plants. Your best bets are tough, fast-growing species like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort. Anchor Anubias to driftwood or rocks so they can't dig it up. Java Fern can handle the nibbling, and Hornwort grows so fast it outpaces their appetite.
hydroflow
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by hydroflow »

Bro, goldfish are like tiny bulldozers. I tried Vallisneria once, and they ripped it to shreds in a week. Stick with the tough stuff like waveflow said. Maybe throw in some Duckweed if you wanna see how fast they can demolish it, lol.
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fin_tank
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by fin_tank »

I've had success with Amazon Swords in my goldfish tank. They're rooted deep in the substrate, and the leaves are tough enough to withstand some nibbling. Just make sure you've got good lighting and maybe add root tabs for extra nutrients.
dusky9
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Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2022 11:54 pm

Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by dusky9 »

hydroflow wrote: Thu May 01, 2025 10:14 pm Bro, goldfish are like tiny bulldozers. I tried Vallisneria once, and they ripped it to shreds in a week. Stick with the tough stuff like waveflow said. Maybe throw in some Duckweed if you wanna see how fast they can demolish it, lol.
Yeah, Duckweed is basically goldfish candy. It's fun to watch them go nuts for it, but don't expect it to last. For something more permanent, try Water Sprite. It's hardy and grows like crazy.
aquabreed
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by aquabreed »

I've found that goldfish leave Marimo Moss Balls alone. They're not exactly plants, but they add some green to the tank and are super low-maintenance. Plus, the goldfish can roll them around, which is kinda fun to watch.
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fabletta
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by fabletta »

If you're up for a challenge, try Cryptocoryne. They're slow growers, but once established, they can handle some goldfish abuse. Just be patient and don't freak out if they melt at first. It's normal.
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Flynxide
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by Flynxide »

waveflow wrote: Thu May 01, 2025 8:28 pm Goldfish are notorious for uprooting and munching on plants. Your best bets are tough, fast-growing species like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort. Anchor Anubias to driftwood or rocks so they can't dig it up. Java Fern can handle the nibbling, and Hornwort grows so fast it outpaces their appetite.
Absolutely agree. I'd also recommend tying Java Fern to something heavy. Goldfish can't resist digging, so anything not anchored is fair game.
meta_code
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Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by meta_code »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Anubias and Java Fern first and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!
waveflow
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Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2023 12:57 am

Re: What Plants Survive with Goldfish?

Post by waveflow »

Good luck! Just remember to keep an eye on your water params. Goldfish are messy, and adding plants can sometimes throw things off temporarily. Test frequently for the first few weeks.
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