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plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 4:54 am
by tiger
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:17 am
by Robin
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 6:51 am
by DarkFable9
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:50 am
by Aurorae
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:08 am
by rippletide
Robin wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:17 am
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.
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:36 am
by RidgeFlyer
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:36 am
by tiger
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll give Vallisneria and Hornwort a shot. Appreciate the help!
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:01 pm
by DarkFable9
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.
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:22 pm
by Robin
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.
Re: plants that handle high flow
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 2:25 pm
by Aurorae
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.