plants that handle high flow
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tiger - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:12 pm
plants that handle high flow
I've got a 55 gallon tank with a canister filter pushing strong flow. What plants can handle the current without getting shredded? Right now I've got Java Fern and Anubias, but they're struggling.
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Robin - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:04 pm
Re: plants that handle high flow
Yo, tiger, I feel you. My tank's got a wicked current too. Try some Vallisneria, it's tough as nails. Mine's been thriving even with the flow cranked up. Just make sure it's planted deep in the substrate.
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DarkFable9 - Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2024 10:16 am
Re: plants that handle high flow
Vallisneria is a solid choice. I'd also recommend Hornwort. It's a floating plant, so it doesn't care about the flow. Plus, it grows like crazy, so you'll have to trim it often. My fish love hiding in it.
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Aurorae - Posts: 13
- Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2023 11:37 pm
Re: plants that handle high flow
I've had success with Amazon Swords in high flow. They need root tabs though, since the current can wash away nutrients. Mine are in a 40 breeder with a Fluval FX4 and they're doing great.
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rippletide - Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:19 am
Re: plants that handle high flow
Vallisneria is a good call, but watch out for runners. They can take over if you're not careful. I've also had luck with Cryptocoryne Wendtii in high flow, though it grows slower.
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RidgeFlyer - Posts: 13
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:05 am
Re: plants that handle high flow
Dude, if you wanna go wild, try some Bucephalandra. It's pricey, but it's built for high flow. Stick it to some driftwood and let it ride. My tank's got a powerhead blasting and the Buce doesn't even flinch.
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tiger - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:12 pm
Re: plants that handle high flow
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll give Vallisneria and Hornwort a shot. Appreciate the help!
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DarkFable9 - Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2024 10:16 am
Re: plants that handle high flow
Buce is a great idea, but yeah, it's not cheap. If you're on a budget, Java Moss is another option. It'll cling to anything and doesn't mind the flow.RidgeFlyer wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:36 am Dude, if you wanna go wild, try some Bucephalandra. It's pricey, but it's built for high flow. Stick it to some driftwood and let it ride. My tank's got a powerhead blasting and the Buce doesn't even flinch.
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Robin - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:04 pm
Re: plants that handle high flow
Java Moss is a classic. I've got it tied to a rock in my high flow tank and it's doing fine. Just gotta watch for debris getting stuck in it, or it'll look messy.
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Aurorae - Posts: 13
- Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2023 11:37 pm
Re: plants that handle high flow
Another thought: Water Wisteria. It's fast-growing and can handle strong currents. I've seen it bend with the flow rather than break. Plus, it's easy to propagate if you want more.