Introduction  |  Aquarium Choices & Considerations
Filtration  |  Filter Systems |  Filter Media
Temperature Control |  Lighting
Creating the Aquatic Environment
Aquarium Decorative Features and Characteristics
Water  |  Live Plants  |  CO2 In The Aquarium
Introducing Fish  |  Fish Care  |  Feeding
Aquarium Maintenance  |  Basic Maintenance Guide


  The following species should be readily available at pet stores and are good groups to choose from with respect to their durability, adaptability, and use in tropical aquariums:
  • Various species of Vallisneria:
    Tolerate a wide range of lighting and water conditions, rapid growing, excellent for background.

  • Various species of Hygrophila:
    Prefer bright light, tolerate wide range of water conditions, rapid growing, suitable for mid to rear of aquarium.

  • Microsorum (Java Fern):
    Tolerate wide range of lighting and water conditions, slow growth, can be anchored to driftwood or stones.

  • Various species of Echinodorus:
    Tolerate wide varieties of light and water conditions. Certain species are excellent for feature or center plants (Echinodorus bleheri), many species feature broad attractive leaves. The dwarf Amazon sword (Echinodorus griesebachii) is an excellent foreground plant.

  • Various species of Cryptocoryne:
    Sometimes will take some time for adaptation, great for foreground placement, generally will tolerate or prefer low light levels, tolerate a wide variety of water conditions.

For further information on feeding and general care of aquatic plants please consult the Hagen Aquatic Plants, Care & Nutrition Leaflet.
 



 
SUGGESTED AQUATIC PLANTS: Respecting the basic information provided here will help provide hobbyists with a useful foundation for success with aquatic plants. The presence of plants in a properly maintained display will contribute to a full appreciation of the aquatic hobby. The following list of aquatic plants serves as a guide for species which flourish in tropical aquariums. These species are tolerant of a variety of temperature, light and water conditions:
Hygrophila Difformis
(Wisteria):
Grows rapidly, recommended for new aquariums, rapidly absorbs mico-nutrients, Plant Gro Iron Enriched strongly recommended.
     
Microsorium pteropus
(Java Fern):
Attaches to driftwood or rocks, flourishes in low to high light and at various pH and hardness values.

Vallisneria spiralis:
Suggested for background placement, good choice for new installations & hardwater aquariums.
     
Aponogeton crispus:
Attractive olive green color, rapid growth.
Aponogeton ulvaceus:
Suited for tanks 30 U.S. gal. & up, rapid growth.
     
Echinodorus osiris:
Excellent feature plant, provides red colored leaves, suited to 30 U.S. gal. tanks & up.
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
(Pennywort):
Can be used as a floating plant, provides refuge for fry (babies), grows rapidly.
     
Hygrophila polysperma
(Hygro):
Extremely hardy, recommended for new aquariums.
Ceratophyllum demersum
(Hornwort):
Rapid growing, typically a floating plant, good choice for bowls.
     
Cryptocoryne wendtii:
Plant in groups, mid-ground placement, grows rapidly, provides brownish leaves.
Anubias barteri
(nana):
Suggested for foreground and attaching to driftwood (slow growth).
     
Echinodorus bleheri
(Amazon Sword):
Excellent feature plant, needs room, responds well to regular pruning.
Cryptocoryne walkeri:
Plant in groups in the foreground, grows rapidly once established.