Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've got a 30-gallon tank running at 82°F, and I'm looking for plants that can handle the heat. My Anubias are barely hanging on, and the Java Fern is melting. Any suggestions for hardy plants that won't just give up?

Yep, warm tanks can be tricky. I've had luck with Amazon Swords and Vallisneria. They're tough as nails and don't mind the heat. Just make sure your lighting isn't too intense, or you'll get algae city.

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is another solid choice. It's adaptable and does well in warmer water. I've got some in my 75-gallon at 80°F, and they're thriving. Just keep an eye on your nutrient levels, they can be picky about that.

I agree with the Cryptocoryne suggestion. They've been the most consistent for me in warm setups. Also, consider adding some floating plants like Frogbit to shade the lower plants and keep temps stable.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll grab some Crypts and Vallisneria this weekend. Any advice on substrate? I'm using sand right now.

Sand's fine, but you might wanna mix in some root tabs if you're gonna plant heavy feeders like Swords. They'll need the extra nutrients to really take off.

jazeron wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:51 am Sand's fine, but you might wanna mix in some root tabs if you're gonna plant heavy feeders like Swords. They'll need the extra nutrients to really take off.

Exactly. I use Seachem Flourite under my sand layer, and it's been a game-changer for root growth.

Floating plants are a great idea. They'll help with the algae too. I've had good results with Salvinia in my warm tanks. It's easy to manage and grows fast.

Just don't let the floaters take over. They can block light real quick if you're not careful. I thin mine out every week to keep things balanced.

Another thing to consider is water flow. Some plants like Vallisneria prefer a bit of current, while others like Crypts do better in calmer spots. Adjust your filter output if needed.