Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

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bluemuse
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:17 pm

Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by bluemuse »

I'm setting up a 20-gallon low-maintenance tank and need plant suggestions. What's the easiest stuff to keep alive with minimal light and no CO2?
Nexario
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:45 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by Nexario »

Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices. They're hardy, don't need much light, and you can just tie 'em to driftwood or rocks. I've had mine for years with zero fuss.
admiral
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:47 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by admiral »

Cryptocorynes are another good option. They're slow growers but tough as nails. Just don't move them around too much once they're settled.
dumbwit
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:34 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by dumbwit »

Yep, Anubias is the way to go. Mine survived a power outage that killed half my other plants. They're basically indestructible.
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aflux
Posts: 36
Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2022 1:24 am

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by aflux »

If you want something carpeting, try Dwarf Sagittaria. It's not as demanding as other carpet plants and spreads nicely under low light.
dakotan
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:06 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by dakotan »

bluemuse wrote: Wed May 07, 2025 8:41 am I'm setting up a 20-gallon low-maintenance tank and need plant suggestions. What's the easiest stuff to keep alive with minimal light and no CO2?
For real, go with Java Moss. It's impossible to kill and gives your tank a wild, natural look.
riverray
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:57 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by riverray »

Or just throw in some plastic plants and call it a day. Kidding! But seriously, why not Marimo balls? They're zero effort.
finsley
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:38 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by finsley »

Hornwort is another low-maintenance option. It grows fast, helps with water quality, and doesn't need much light. Just trim it occasionally.
deepdive
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2022 5:49 am

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by deepdive »

I'd recommend a mix of Anubias, Java Fern, and maybe some floating plants like Frogbit. They're all easy and balance the tank's ecosystem.
tiger
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:12 pm

Re: Plants for a Low-Maintenance Tank

Post by tiger »

Vallisneria is great for background planting. It grows tall, doesn't need CO2, and handles low light well. Just be ready to trim it now and then.
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