Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've recently added more live plants to my aquarium, as recommended.

I used to have just one Zorchzon Sword, which never really thrived. I figured it was due to my inexperience and history of killing plants. However, someone on this forum suggested "Flourish Comprehensive Supplement for the Planted Aquarium," and it's been a game-changer. My Zorchzon Sword has grown significantly over the past six months.

My second plant is the one with large, stiff green leaves. The LFS said it was a slow grower but easy to care for. At first, I noticed dark threads growing off the sides and tops of the leaves, which I thought might be a sign of illness. But then new leaves started growing from the tops of the threads, and I realized it was new growth. I can even pull the new leaves from the tops of the old ones and replant them. The small cluster in front is from the tops of the longer leaves, and they're starting to take off.

I also have a long, stringy green grass that was floating at the LFS. It was super cheap (50¢ per), so I gave it a try. Some leaves die off, but most are doing okay and getting longer.

Lastly, I added a Water Lettuce, which was recommended online as an easy-to-care-for floating plant. I was told that floating plants would be suitable for my fish, as they're used to canopied streams. However, I realized after adding it that the pretty part will be hidden by my tank's lid. The roots are pretty cool, though. You can see them hanging down among the green grass plants.

If anyone can identify the long green leafy plant and the green grassy ones, I'd appreciate it. I want to know what I have in my aquarium, so I can make a note for future reference.

I think I can help you with the identification of your plants. The first photo is actually a Java fern. I've found that it does best when not planted directly in the substrate, particularly the thick 'root' - it's actually a rhizome and will rot if buried. I've had success attaching mine to a piece of wood using sewing cotton, and by the time the cotton rots away, the plant has already attached itself.

Java Fern as noted.

The long thin plant that's floating around is likely Vallisneria, probably the Narrow variety. I've found that these plants do much better when planted in the substrate, rather than left to float on the surface.

I've also learned that Water Lettuce isn't the best choice for aquariums, especially those with a cover glass. The increased humidity can cause the plant to rot. It seems to thrive in outdoor ponds, particularly in warm climates, but it won't tolerate frost or ice.

If I'm looking for a good floating plant, I've been told that Water Sprite (Ceratopteris species) and Duckweed are excellent options. Water Sprite is my personal preference, although Duckweed makes a great food source for plant-eating fish and can be grown in outdoor tubs. It's also a good idea to bring some in weekly for the fish to enjoy.

Water Sprite can also be planted in the substrate, where it can grow into a nice aquatic shrub.

Thanks for the input, it's interesting to see how my LFS had the Java Fern planted and the Vallisneria floating - I'll make the switch. I'll attach the fern to some rocks, like you suggested, and plant the Vallisneria.

I did some reading on Java Fern - it's a pretty cool plant. I checked out this article: https://www.theaquariumguide.com/articl ... fern-guide

I've been on the lookout for Water Sprite and Duckweed, but haven't had any luck finding them in local stores. When I stumbled upon Water Lettuce in a new store, I was stoked - I'd read it was an easy floating plant to care for. Turns out, the tubs were mislabeled, and I ended up with Water Lettuce instead of the flat, small green leaved plant I was expecting. I was about to ask to swap it out, but decided to give it a shot. Luckily, I have another spot outside where it might do better.

I'll keep searching for a proper floating plant - hopefully, I'll find some Water Sprite soon.

I'm guessing the Vallisneria was probably dislodged and left to float when they were rearranging the other plants at the store.

I've had to look beyond my local shops for plants, as the selection is quite limited. I've turned to online sources and managed to find some great options. I actually found my Water Sprite on Ebay, and it's been doing well. However, I do have to be mindful of my shrimps and snails, so I only purchase from sellers who explicitly state that their plants are safe for my aquatic friends - in other words, they haven't been treated with anything that would harm my snails.