what plants boost oxygen levels?

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oceanorb
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2023 4:38 pm

what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by oceanorb »

I've been trying to figure out which plants actually boost oxygen levels in my tank. I've got a 20-gallon with moderate lighting and CO2 injection, but my fish still seem a bit sluggish. Any recommendations?
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reefkeeper1
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2022 2:38 am

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by reefkeeper1 »

Hornwort and Anacharis are solid choices. They grow fast and release a lot of oxygen during the day. I've got both in my 30-gallon, and my fish are way more active now. Just watch out for the Hornwort shedding, it can get messy.
deylan
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Apr 19, 2024 8:35 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by deylan »

Yeah, fast-growing stem plants like Water Wisteria and Rotala also do wonders. They're easy to care for and don't need crazy light. My tank's at 78°F, and they're thriving. Just trim 'em regularly to keep 'em from taking over.
pyrope
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Joined: Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:36 am

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by pyrope »

I've had success with Amazon Swords. They're not as fast-growing as Hornwort, but they're sturdy and oxygenate well. Just make sure you've got a good substrate, like Flourite, and decent lighting. Mine are in a 40-gallon with LED lights.
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keeper
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:44 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by keeper »

reefkeeper1 wrote: Fri Jun 20, 2025 7:47 am Hornwort and Anacharis are solid choices. They grow fast and release a lot of oxygen during the day. I've got both in my 30-gallon, and my fish are way more active now. Just watch out for the Hornwort shedding, it can get messy.
I second Hornwort. It's a beast for oxygen, but yeah, the shedding is real. I've got it in my 55-gallon, and I'm constantly skimming bits out.
fusioncore
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:01 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by fusioncore »

What about floating plants? I've heard Duckweed is good for oxygen, but it's kinda invasive. My tank's only 10 gallons, so I don't wanna deal with a takeover.
reef_digger
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:15 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by reef_digger »

Duckweed's a nightmare. Try Frogbit instead. It's easier to control and still pumps out oxygen. I've got it in my 15-gallon, and it's been chill.
kaidos
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:08 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by kaidos »

I've been using Vallisneria. It's not as fast as some others, but it's low-maintenance and oxygenates well. My tank's at 76°F, and it's been growing steadily.
brooklee
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:10 pm

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by brooklee »

If you're into red plants, Ludwigia Repens is a good pick. It's not the fastest grower, but it's pretty and helps with oxygen. I've got it in my 20-gallon with a Finnex light.
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Flynta
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Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2022 5:50 am

Re: what plants boost oxygen levels?

Post by Flynta »

fusioncore wrote: Fri Jun 20, 2025 11:00 am What about floating plants? I've heard Duckweed is good for oxygen, but it's kinda invasive. My tank's only 10 gallons, so I don't wanna deal with a takeover.
I'd recommend Salvinia over Duckweed. It's less invasive and still does a great job with oxygen. I've got it in my 12-gallon, and it's been easy to manage.
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