plants that look good with barbs

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ladies
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:05 pm

plants that look good with barbs

Post by ladies »

I've got a tank with tiger barbs and want to add some plants that can handle their activity. Any suggestions for hardy plants that won't get shredded?
daisylea
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:26 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by daisylea »

Java Fern and Anubias are great choices. They're tough and can handle the barbs' nipping. I've had them in my 55-gallon with tiger barbs for years, no issues. Just attach them to driftwood or rocks.
wiredonfish
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:55 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by wiredonfish »

My barbs messed with everything until I tried Hornwort. It grows fast and they can't destroy it. Plus, it gives them places to hide.
onyxed
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:11 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by onyxed »

I'd avoid delicate plants like Cabomba. Barbs will tear them up. Stick to tougher species like Amazon Sword or Vallisneria. They're rooted well and can take some abuse.
BronzeKey
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:52 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by BronzeKey »

Yep, gotta go with the tough stuff. My barbs chill with Java Moss. It's kinda indestructible and they don't mess with it much.
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rivolto
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:27 am

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by rivolto »

I've had success with Cryptocoryne Wendtii. It's not as delicate as it looks and the barbs leave it alone after the initial curiosity.
ladies
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:05 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by ladies »

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try Java Fern and Hornwort first.
daisylea
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:26 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by daisylea »

ladies wrote: Tue May 27, 2025 11:58 pm Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try Java Fern and Hornwort first.
Good choice! Just make sure the Hornwort gets enough light. It can get a bit wild if it's happy.
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axonite
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Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2024 10:23 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by axonite »

My barbs wrecked everything but Java Moss. That stuff is like barb-proof.
wiredonfish
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:55 pm

Re: plants that look good with barbs

Post by wiredonfish »

axonite wrote: Wed May 28, 2025 2:27 am My barbs wrecked everything but Java Moss. That stuff is like barb-proof.
True, but it can get messy if you don't trim it regularly. Gotta keep an eye on it.
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