Why Add Live Plants?
Live aquarium plants are not just decorative. They absorb ammonia, nitrite and nitrate — directly competing with algae for these nutrients. A well-planted tank is more stable, less prone to algae outbreaks, and produces significantly better fish behaviour. Many fish species — especially tetras, rasboras and dwarf cichlids — are visibly calmer and show better colour in a planted environment.
Easy Plants for Beginners
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Java fern is virtually indestructible. It grows in low light with no CO₂ injection and no root fertilizers. Attach it to driftwood or rock with thread or super glue gel — do not bury the rhizome in substrate or it will rot. New plants propagate directly from the leaves.
Anubias (Anubias spp.)
Like Java fern, Anubias should be attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate. It grows very slowly (which means it is also slow to deteriorate). Anubias barteri and Anubias nana are the most commonly available varieties.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Hornwort is a fast-growing stem plant that you can float or plant loosely. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent nitrate absorber and it provides excellent spawning cover for fish. Trim regularly or it will take over.
Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne spp.)
Crypts are true foreground and midground plants that tolerate low light well. They go through "crypt melt" when first introduced — all the leaves melt away — but they come back from the roots. Plant them in a nutrient-rich substrate and be patient.
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri)
Amazon swords are classic background plants that can grow quite large (30–50cm). They are heavy root feeders — plant root tabs underneath them in the substrate. They prefer moderate light and will fill a 60L+ tank beautifully.
What You Need for a Basic Planted Tank
Light: Most easy plants need 6–8 hours of light per day. A full-spectrum LED at 0.3–0.5 watts per litre is sufficient for low-light plants. Avoid leaving the light on 24 hours — that promotes algae.
Substrate: Plain gravel or sand works for most beginner plants. For more demanding plants, use a plant-specific substrate like ADA Aqua Soil or add root tabs (slow-release fertiliser capsules) under root-feeding plants.
Fertiliser: A liquid all-in-one fertiliser like Seachem Flourish dosed weekly covers trace elements. For heavier plant loads, add a dedicated iron supplement and potassium supplement.
CO₂: Not required for the plants listed above. If you decide to grow demanding carpeting plants or stem plants, a pressurised CO₂ system gives transformative results.
Dealing with Algae in a Planted Tank
Algae in a planted tank is usually caused by too much light, too many nutrients, or an imbalance between the two. Reduce photoperiod to 6 hours, ensure plants are growing well, and add fast-growing stem plants to compete. Nerite snails and otocinclus catfish are excellent algae-control animals.
