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I've got a 30-gallon tall tank and wanna fill it with plants that'll look good vertically. Any suggestions? Right now I've got some Anubias but they're not growing much. Lighting is moderate, substrate is sand, and I dose liquid ferts once a week.

Tall tanks benefit from stem plants like Rotala or Hygrophila. They grow upward and can be trimmed to bush out. Your lighting might be too low for some species, so consider upgrading or sticking to low-light plants like Java Fern. Sand substrate is fine, but root tabs could help.

Yep, stem plants are the way to go. I've had luck with Bacopa Caroliniana in my tall tank. It's chill with moderate light and doesn't need CO2. Just make sure your ferts have enough iron, or the leaves might yellow.

My tall tank's got Vallisneria spiraling up. It's kinda wild how fast it grows, gonna need trimming every couple weeks. Sand's fine, but yeah, root tabs are a game-changer. Also, what's your water temp? Some plants get sketchy if it's too cold.

I agree with the stem plant suggestions. My 40-gallon tall has Ludwigia Repens, and it's thriving. I use a basic LED light and dose Excel weekly. No CO2, but the growth is steady. Sand substrate works if you supplement with root tabs.

Thanks for the tips, everyone! Gonna try Rotala and Bacopa first. My temp's around 76°F, so hopefully that's fine. I'll grab some root tabs too.

stardust wrote: ↑Mon Jun 09, 2025 7:52 am Thanks for the tips, everyone! Gonna try Rotala and Bacopa first. My temp's around 76°F, so hopefully that's fine. I'll grab some root tabs too.

76°F is ideal for most tropical plants. Just watch the Bacopa, it can melt at first but usually bounces back.

Yeah, Bacopa's a drama queen when you first plant it. Once it settles in, though, it's solid. I'd also throw in some Amazon Swords if you want broader leaves. They'll grow tall if you give 'em space and nutrients.

tidal wrote: ↑Mon Jun 09, 2025 11:22 am Yeah, Bacopa's a drama queen when you first plant it. Once it settles in, though, it's solid. I'd also throw in some Amazon Swords if you want broader leaves. They'll grow tall if you give 'em space and nutrients.

Swords are dope, but they'll hog all the nutrients if you don't keep up with root tabs. Learned that the hard way.

Amazon Swords are great, but they need a lot of root space. In a 30-gallon, you might only fit one or two. Stick with the stem plants for now, and maybe add a Sword later if you're feeling adventurous.