what plants survive with kuhlis?

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grizzlon
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:19 pm

what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by grizzlon »

I've got a 20 gallon with a bunch of kuhli loaches and wanna add some plants. What's gonna survive their digging? My substrate is sand, and I've got moderate lighting. Tried Java Fern but it didn't last long.
Willow
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:31 pm

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by Willow »

Kuhlis are notorious for uprooting plants, but Anubias and Java Fern tied to driftwood or rocks should work. They don't need substrate, so the kuhlis can't mess with them. Also, try Cryptocoryne, they're tough once established.
Dandy
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Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2024 5:35 am

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by Dandy »

Yo, my kuhlis wrecked everything but the Anubias. That stuff's bulletproof. Just glue it to something heavy, and you're golden. Sand's chill for them too, no sharp edges to worry about.
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Ravynox
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Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by Ravynox »

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is a solid choice. It's hardy and can handle the occasional disturbance. Just make sure your lighting isn't too intense, or you'll get algae issues. My kuhlis leave it alone once it's rooted.
florin9
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Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2022 5:56 pm

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by florin9 »

I've had luck with Vallisneria. It grows fast and can handle a bit of roughhousing. My kuhlis like to hide in it, but they don't seem to bother the roots much. Just give it some time to settle in.
grizzlon
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:19 pm

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by grizzlon »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Anubias and Crypts first. Appreciate the help!
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riverrun
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Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:04 am

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by riverrun »

Willow wrote: Mon Aug 25, 2025 8:44 pm Kuhlis are notorious for uprooting plants, but Anubias and Java Fern tied to driftwood or rocks should work. They don't need substrate, so the kuhlis can't mess with them. Also, try Cryptocoryne, they're tough once established.
I second this. My kuhlis never touched the Anubias, and the Crypts bounced back even after being uprooted a few times.
aquanix8
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:49 pm

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by aquanix8 »

My kuhlis dug up everything but the Java Moss. It's not the prettiest, but it's indestructible. Just toss it in and let it do its thing.
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coralkeeper
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:51 pm

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by coralkeeper »

Dude, go for Hornwort. It floats or plants, and kuhlis don't care. Plus, it grows like crazy, so even if they mess with it, you'll have plenty left.
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florap
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2022 6:10 am

Re: what plants survive with kuhlis?

Post by florap »

Amazon Swords might work if you plant them deep. They've got strong roots, and my kuhlis haven't managed to uproot them yet. Just make sure you've got decent substrate depth.
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