Welcome to our beginner’s guide on the best freshwater aquarium plants. In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the right aquarium plants for your tank and the different types of plants available. We’ll also cover the best foreground plants for creating a lush carpet effect and the best mid and background plants to add depth to your aquarium. So, let’s dive in!
Selecting the Right Aquarium Plants
The process of choosing the right live plants for your aquarium goes beyond just picking a few plants at the local fish store. Proper consideration and research are required to ensure that your plants thrive and add beauty to your tank.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to live aquarium plants, each with its specific needs and care requirements. As such, before adding any plants to your aquarium, it’s crucial to take a moment and consider why you want plants, which types are best suited for your tank, and how to care for them.
In this guide, I’ll explore how you can select the right aquarium plants for your tank to ensure their longevity and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
When considering adding live plants to your aquarium, it’s important to first reflect on why you want them. While they offer several benefits, it’s crucial to think about how you intend to use them and what advantages you hope to gain from them in your tank. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right plants for your needs and care for them properly.
Live plants offer a multitude of advantages when added to your aquarium:
- They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is crucial for your fish to breathe.
- They absorb nitrates and other chemical waste, which can harm your fish, thus purifying the water.
- They oxygenate the water, which helps to aerate the tank.
- They provide a natural look and feel to your aquarium.
- They offer shelter and security for your fish, particularly for territorial species.
- They can be used to cover up unsightly aquarium fixtures, enhancing the aesthetics of your aquarium.
- Plants help regulate water temperature by shading the water and preventing overheating. They absorb sunlight and transpire water to keep the water temperature comfortable for your fish.
Apart from these benefits, live aquarium plants contribute to enhancing and preserving the water quality in your tank.
Maintaining high water quality in your aquarium is crucial for the health and wellness of your fish. Poor water quality can cause stress in fish, making them more susceptible to illness. Frequent water changes are a pro tip for keeping water quality high in your aquarium. Changing 10% to 15% of your tank’s volume every week or every two weeks is recommended, and regularly checking your filter for clogs is essential.
Aside from their health benefits, aquarium plants can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tank. When considering why you want live plants in your aquarium, it’s essential to think about how you want your tank to look. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors available, live plants can be used to create a lush carpet on the bottom of your tank or a stunning living backdrop.
Different types of aquarium plants also serve different purposes in your tank. Foreground plants, such as dwarf hairgrass or java moss, are ideal for creating a carpet-like effect on the substrate. Midground plants, like Anubias or Amazon sword, add depth and dimension to your tank. Background plants create a lush green backdrop and help to oxygenate the water.
Overall, the benefits of live aquarium plants are numerous. They not only provide essential health benefits to your fish but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. When choosing live plants for your aquarium, take time to consider the specific benefits each plant offers and how it can contribute to the overall look and health of your tank.
The Different Types of Aquarium Plants
Now that you understand the importance of aquarium plants, it’s time to dive deeper into the different types of plants and their placement within the tank.
Aquarium plants can be divided into three categories based on their placement:
- Foreground plants: These are the plants that you place at the front of the tank. They are generally shorter in height and grow slowly. Some of these plants, like carpet plants, tend to spread outward instead of growing upwards, creating a lush green carpet at the bottom of the tank. Foreground plants are perfect for creating a natural-looking environment for your fish to play and hide in.
- Mid-ground plants: These plants are taller than foreground plants and can be placed along the sides and in the middle of the tank. They are perfect for adding an aesthetic touch to your tank without taking up too much space. Mid-ground plants can create a nice transition between foreground and background plants, making your aquarium look more natural.
- Background plants: These are the larger plants that you use in the back of your aquarium. They can create a natural backdrop for your tank and provide a place for your fish to hide. Background plants are perfect for larger tanks, as they can grow quite tall and create a beautiful natural-looking environment.
When choosing aquarium plants, it’s important to consider the placement of the plants and how they will fit into your tank’s overall aesthetic. Each type of plant has its own unique characteristics, such as growth rate and height, so it’s important to research and choose plants that are suitable for your tank.
What’s in Your Tank?
When choosing which live plants to add to your aquarium, it’s important to consider the substrate in your tank. Live plants require specific nutrients to grow and while they can absorb some of these nutrients from the water column, the majority will be absorbed through their roots. This is where your substrate comes in.
The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your tank and provides a surface for your plants to root in. While sand and gravel substrates may be suitable for fish-only tanks, a planted tank will require a complete substrate that can provide the necessary nutrients for the plants to thrive.
If you already have a substrate in your tank, it’s important to choose plants that are compatible with it. Some plants may require a specific type of substrate, such as nutrient-rich soil or specialized fertilizers. You’ll also need to consider the depth of your substrate, as some plants have longer roots than others.
When selecting your plants, keep in mind the amount of space they will take up in your tank and how many you will need to achieve your desired look. It’s best to start with a few plants and gradually add more as you become more comfortable with their care requirements.
A helpful tip to keep in mind is that while light is the primary source of energy for plants, they also require specific nutrients to grow and thrive. These nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like iron, manganese, and boron.
To ensure that your live aquarium plants thrive, it’s important to consider their nutrient requirements in addition to providing adequate lighting. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like iron, manganese, and boron are essential for plant growth.
If you’re using a complete substrate designed for planted tanks like CaribSea Eco-Complete or ADA aqua soil, you’re in luck as they come with all the necessary nutrients. However, if you have a sand or gravel substrate, you’ll need to supplement the plants with fertilizers occasionally.
Seachem Flourite is another substrate you may be using, which is rich in iron but may lack other essential nutrients. Additionally, it’s a dense and porous substrate, making it unsuitable for plants with delicate roots.
If you have soil substrate, most plants are likely to do well, but it may cloud the water in your tank if you disturb it while rooting your plants.
It’s worth noting that some plants are column feeders, meaning they get most of their nutrients from the tank water. These plants won’t require nutrient-rich substrate and can do well in a substrate that provides no nutritional value.
Considering your substrate and the nutrient requirements of your chosen plants is essential to create a thriving planted aquarium.
Aquarium Plants and Lighting
Aquarium plants require light as a primary source of energy to thrive. This energy allows them to undergo photosynthesis, where they convert carbon dioxide into vital energy that fuels their growth and development. To provide adequate light for your aquarium plants, you need to select the appropriate lighting options. However, not all aquarium lighting is suitable for live plants. Different types of plants require different levels of lighting, some preferring low light while others require high intensity lighting.
It is essential to ensure your plants receive at least eight hours of full-spectrum light per day. Full-spectrum light provides the necessary wavelengths that mimic natural sunlight, thus promoting optimal photosynthesis. Nevertheless, you need to be cautious about using natural light, such as placing your aquarium next to a window. Excessive exposure to natural light can trigger algae growth, which can be harmful to your plants.
For a planted tank, LED aquarium lighting is the best option. LED lights are highly efficient and consume less energy than traditional bulbs, making them cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan, meaning they require less frequent replacement, thereby reducing costs even further. LED lights also do not produce excess heat like other fixtures such as VHO or metal halide, which can cause overheating in your aquarium. Therefore, you can rest assured that your aquarium plants are safe and healthy with LED lighting.
Top 11 Aquarium Plants for Beginners Reviewed
After reviewing the top 11 aquarium plants for beginners, you now have a better grasp on these aquatic plants. You can utilize this knowledge to make an informed decision when purchasing.
Remember!
Foreground or carpet plants grow slowly and have limited height. Instead of growing upwards, they tend to spread outward and can create a thick, green carpet at the bottom of your aquarium.
Middle ground plants are ideal as the central focus of your tank. They range from low to moderately high in height.
Background plants are taller and are perfect for placement along the back and sides of the tank. They provide shelter for your fish and enhance the overall appearance of the aquarium.
Best 11 plants for beginner aquarists:
Java Moss
The Java Moss is a vigorous plant that thrives in crystal-clear, well-circulated water, and it grows best when exposed to bright lighting. Its versatility makes it a great option for creating a plush carpet throughout the middle ground of your aquarium. Not only is it a fast-growing plant, but it’s also easy to trim and maintain. The Java Moss prefers a water temperature between 74-82°F and a pH range of 6.5-7.5 with KH 3-8, making it a plant that is very easy to care for.
Marcus Fishtanks Java Moss Taxiphyllum Barbieri Easy Live Aquarium Plant – Buy 2 Get 1
| Care level | Very easy |
| Placement | Middle ground/Foreground |
| Light required | Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 74-82°F pH 6.5-7.5 KH 3-8 |
Lilaeopsis
Lilaeopsis plant, also known as Brazilian Micro Swords, is a delicate plant that requires a bit more attention to flourish. Its short-stemmed structure and moderate growth rate make it an excellent option as a foreground carpet plant. The Lilaeopsis plant can grow fully or partially submerged, and with the right combination of high lighting, CO2, and nutrients, it forms a dense carpet that adds texture and depth to your aquarium. To maintain its lush appearance, it requires a water temperature between 70 to 83°F, a pH range of 6.8 to 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. Despite requiring a bit more effort, the Lilaeopsis plant is a moderate difficulty option that’s well worth the extra care.
Planterest – Micro Sword Clump Easy Carpet Live Aquarium Plant Decorations BUY2GET1FREE
| Care level | Moderate |
| Placement | Foreground |
| Light required | High |
| Water parameters | Temp 70 to 83°F pH 6.8-7.5 KH soft to moderately hard |
Dwarf Baby Tears
The Dwarf Baby Tears plant is a delicate species that produces clusters of tiny leaves, making it an ideal choice for breeding tanks. With proper lighting, this plant forms a dense carpet that adds depth and dimension to the foreground of your aquarium. While this plant requires high lighting and moderate difficulty, it is easy to care for once established. The Dwarf Baby Tears plant prefers a water temperature between 68 to 82°F, a pH range of 5.0-7.5, and KH 0-10 to thrive.
Potted Dwarf Baby Tears Aquarium Live Plant
| Care level | Moderate |
| Placement | Foreground |
| Light required | High |
| Water parameters | Temp 68 to 82°F pH 5.0-7.5 KH 0-10 |
Water Wisteria
The Water Wisteria plant is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for option that produces lace-like leaves that vary in size depending on the water temperature. This plant can be propagated easily by taking cuttings from the lower leaves, making it a great option for new aquarium enthusiasts. The Water Wisteria plant is perfect for creating a lush background for your aquarium and requires moderate lighting, a water temperature between 74-82°F, and a pH range of 6.5-7.5 with KH 3-8.
3 Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Difformis), Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Stem Plant by G&Z
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
| Light required | Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 74 to 82°F pH 6.5-7.5 KH 3-8 |
Amazon Sword
The Amazon Sword plant is one of the most recognizable aquarium plants and is perfect for creating a stunning background. With large, broad leaves and a moderate growth rate, this plant is easy to care for and prefers a loose substrate. The Amazon Sword plant thrives in moderate lighting and soft to moderately hard water conditions with a temperature range of 72 to 82°F and a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
3 Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Difformis), Live Aquarium/Aquatic/Stem Plant by G&Z
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
| Light required | Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 72 to 82°F pH 6.5-7.5 KH soft to moderately hard |
African Water Fern
The African Water Fern plant adds an exotic feel to your aquarium with its unique shape and texture. This plant grows slowly, even in ideal conditions, and should be anchored to a piece of driftwood rather than rooted in the substrate. Once established, the African Water Fern plant is easy to maintain and prefers high lighting and a slow growth rate. It thrives in water conditions with a temperature range of 74 to 84°F, KH 5-15, and a pH range of 6.0-8.5.
Water Fern Bolbitis Heudelotii Potted Live Aquarium Plant Fresh Water Plants by Greenpro
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Middle ground |
| Light required | High |
| Water parameters | Temp 74 to 84°F pH 6.0-8.5 KH 5-15 |
Java Fern
The Java Fern comes in different sizes and leaf shapes, adding texture and depth to the aquarium. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in moderate lighting, making it a popular choice for the middle ground of the tank. However, too much light can cause the leaves to brown, so it’s important to find the right balance. With the right care, the Java Fern can grow at a moderate to fast pace, making it an excellent addition to any aquarium.
Java Fern Bare Root | Microsorum Pteropus – Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Middle ground |
| Light required | Low to Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 72 to 82°F pH 6.0-8.0 KH soft to moderately hard |
Anubias
Another low-maintenance plant for the middle ground is the Anubias. This hardy plant is easy to grow and can be anchored to rocks or driftwood, rather than being rooted in the substrate. When rooted, the rhizome should be left above the substrate to prevent rot. With low lighting and soft to moderately hard water parameters, the Anubias can grow at a moderate to fast pace, adding lush greenery to the aquarium.
Greenpro Anubias Barteri Live Aquarium Plants Decoration for Aquatic Water Plants Freshwater Fish Tank
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Middle ground |
| Light required | Low |
| Water parameters | Temp 72 to 82°F pH 6.5-7.5 KH soft to moderately hard |
Cryptocoryne Beckettii
Discover the wonders of aquatic plant life with Cryptocoryne Beckettii, also known as water trumpet. This mid-ground plant is a versatile addition to any aquarium and can add a touch of elegance with its unique appearance. Its ability to thrive in low to medium light, along with its high tolerance for different water parameters, makes it an easy plant to care for. Once established, it can provide a beautiful contrast to other plants in your tank, making it a great choice for beginners.
Java Fern Bare Root | Microsorum Pteropus – Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant
| Care level | Easy once established |
| Placement | Middle ground |
| Light required | Low to Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 72 to 82°F pH 5.5-8.0 KH 1-20 |
Aponogeton Ulvaceus Bulb
Aponogeton Ulvaceus Bulb – Aquarium Plant for Aquariums with temperatures Under 72F
Bring the beauty of nature into your aquarium with Aponogeton Ulvaceus Bulb. This stunning plant is a true showstopper, featuring rippled leaves that can provide a great backdrop to your aquatic world. With its high tolerance to various water parameters and moderate lighting, this plant is easy to care for and spreads well as a background plant. A single bulb can produce up to 40 leaves, giving your tank a lush, vibrant feel.
| Care level | Easy to moderate |
| Placement | Background |
| Light required | Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 68 to 72°F pH 6.5-7.5 KH soft to moderately hard |
Dwarf Aquarium Lily
The Dwarf Aquarium Lily is a mesmerizing plant that can add a touch of elegance to your aquarium. With its uniquely shaped leaves, this plant is not only visually appealing but also easy to care for. However, it’s important to remember to plant the bulb halfway out of the substrate, as it will not survive if completely submerged. This plant thrives in low to moderate lighting and prefers soft to moderately hard water, making it adaptable to various aquarium setups. Its unique leaf shape and striking appearance make it an attractive addition to any background placement.
Mainam Nymphaea Rubra Bulb Dwarf Water Lily Live Aquarium Plants Decorations 3 Day Live Guaranteed
| Care level | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
| Light required | Low to Moderate |
| Water parameters | Temp 72 to 82°F pH 5.0-8.0 KH soft to moderately hard |
In conclusion
When it comes to decorating your aquarium, you are free to use your own creativity.
If you want to cultivate a lush and thriving tank with a natural appearance, however, you should include some live plants.
The live plants described in this article are perfect for a beginner, so take what you’ve learned and put it to use!
Happy fish-keeping!
