Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a planted bowl and need some advice on the best plants. It's a 3-gallon bowl with low tech lighting, no CO2. What's worked for you guys?

Anubias Nana is a solid choice. It's slow growing and doesn't need much light. Just attach it to a small rock or driftwood. Java Moss is another good one, super easy to care for.

I've had great luck with Marimo Moss Balls in my bowl. They're practically zero maintenance and my shrimp love them. Plus, they give the bowl a nice, natural look.

Dwarf Hairgrass can work if you're willing to put in a bit more effort. It needs decent light and might require root tabs, but it's worth it for the carpet effect. Just keep it trimmed.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is another option. It's hardy and doesn't need much light. Just make sure the substrate is nutrient-rich or use root tabs.

I'd throw in some floating plants like Duckweed or Salvinia. They help with algae control and give the bowl a cool, shaded look. Just be ready to thin them out regularly.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll definitely try the Anubias and Marimo Moss Balls first. They sound like the easiest to start with.

flakey wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 9:47 pm Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll definitely try the Anubias and Marimo Moss Balls first. They sound like the easiest to start with.

Good call. Those are pretty foolproof. Let us know how it goes.

If you're adding shrimp later, the Marimo Moss Balls will be a hit. My shrimp are always grazing on them. Just make sure to rinse them occasionally to keep them clean.

One thing to watch with the bowl is water evaporation. Smaller volumes can swing params fast. Top off with RO or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.