Setting up a small aquarium can be a rewarding experience, and adding live aquatic plants can significantly enhance both the aesthetic and health of your tank. Plants not only create a beautiful underwater landscape but also provide many benefits to your aquarium, such as improving water quality, creating hiding spots for fish, and offering natural oxygenation. However, choosing the right plants for small aquariums requires some consideration. The wrong plants can overgrow, require excessive maintenance, or not thrive in the tank’s conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when selecting the best aquatic plants for small aquariums, highlight low-maintenance plant options, and provide tips on how to care for them in confined spaces.
1. Why Add Aquatic Plants to Small Aquariums?
Before we dive into the selection process, let’s take a look at why aquatic plants are an excellent choice for small aquariums:
- Improved Water Quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen through photosynthesis. They also take in excess nutrients, such as nitrates, which helps prevent algae growth.
- Natural Filtration: Plants act as natural filters, helping to keep the water clean by removing organic waste and excess nutrients. This makes it easier to maintain a healthy environment for your fish.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Aquatic plants create a lush, natural look in your tank. Their vibrant colors and textures enhance the overall beauty and provide a soothing, natural atmosphere.
- Hiding Spots: Plants provide important hiding spots and territories for fish, reducing stress and creating a more natural habitat, especially for shy or territorial species.
- Oxygenation: During the day, plants release oxygen into the water, improving the tank’s overall oxygen levels, which is essential for fish respiration.
2. Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Small Aquariums
Selecting the right plants for your small tank involves understanding the specific needs of the plants and the limitations of your setup. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Tank Size and Space
Small aquariums typically range from 5 to 20 gallons, and the amount of available space will influence your plant choices. You want plants that won’t outgrow the tank or overtake the entire space. It’s also important to remember that some plants, like tall-growing stem plants, may require frequent trimming to prevent them from overwhelming the tank.
2. Light Requirements
Different aquatic plants have varying light requirements, and small tanks often have limited space for lighting systems. Consider the following when selecting plants:
- Low-Light Plants: Ideal for small tanks with limited lighting or for beginners.
- Medium- to High-Light Plants: These plants thrive in tanks with strong, direct light. Be prepared to provide additional light if necessary.
For small aquariums, LED lighting is usually sufficient and energy-efficient, but you’ll need to ensure the intensity of light matches the needs of the plants you choose.
3. Maintenance and Growth Rates
Some aquatic plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners or small tanks where upkeep needs to be minimal. On the other hand, fast-growing plants can quickly take over the tank, requiring frequent pruning and adjustments. It’s essential to pick plants that match the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
4. Plant Type: Floating, Submerged, or Emergent?
Plants can be categorized based on how they grow in the aquarium:
- Floating Plants: These plants float on the water’s surface, where they absorb nutrients from the water column. They do not need to be planted in the substrate.
- Submerged Plants: These plants grow fully underwater and need to be planted in the substrate. They often have deeper root systems and require more stable conditions.
- Emergent Plants: These plants grow both above and below the water surface, and while they are great for providing shade and shelter, they may need more specialized care.
3. Best Aquatic Plants for Small Aquariums
Now, let’s explore some of the best aquatic plants that are perfect for small aquariums. These plants are well-suited to small spaces, require minimal maintenance, and are easy to care for:
1. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
Why it’s great for small tanks:
- Low-maintenance: Java moss thrives in a wide range of water conditions and doesn’t require regular trimming.
- Adaptable: It can grow in low light and is ideal for low-tech setups, making it perfect for small tanks with limited lighting.
- Versatile: You can attach Java moss to rocks, driftwood, or let it grow freely. It also provides a great hiding place for fish and shrimp.
Care tips:
- Java moss does best in low to moderate light and can be grown either floating or attached to hard surfaces.
- Keep it in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
2. Anubias (Anubias barteri)
Why it’s great for small tanks:
- Low light tolerance: Anubias is perfect for small aquariums with low to moderate light.
- Hardy: It’s a slow-growing plant that requires little maintenance, making it ideal for beginners or busy hobbyists.
- Versatile: Anubias can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other decorations, saving space in the substrate.
Care tips:
- Anubias prefers low to moderate light and grows best in temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C).
- Avoid planting the roots in the substrate, as this can cause the plant to rot. Instead, attach it to hard surfaces.
3. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Why it’s great for small tanks:
- Hardy: Java fern is one of the most resilient aquatic plants, thriving in a variety of water conditions, including different pH levels.
- Low maintenance: It’s a slow-grower that doesn’t require frequent trimming.
- Great for small tanks: Java fern can grow in low light and doesn’t require a deep substrate, making it ideal for small spaces.
Care tips:
- Like Anubias, Java fern should have its roots tied to decorations or driftwood rather than planted in the substrate.
- It thrives in temperatures between 68°F and 82°F (20°C to 28°C) and low to moderate light conditions.
4. Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei)
Why it’s great for small tanks:
- Unique appearance: Marimo moss balls add a beautiful, spherical touch to any aquarium. They also act as natural filters, absorbing excess nutrients in the water.
- Low-maintenance: These plants require minimal care and can be rolled around to keep them clean.
- Perfect for small tanks: Due to their slow growth rate, Marimo moss balls won’t take over your aquarium.
Care tips:
- Marimo moss balls do best in cool to moderate temperatures (64°F to 74°F / 18°C to 23°C) and low to moderate light.
- Gently roll the moss balls every few weeks to prevent them from becoming misshapen.
5. Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne wendtii)
Why it’s great for small tanks:
- Low-maintenance: Cryptocoryne is a hardy plant that doesn’t require much attention once it’s established.
- Great for small aquariums: It’s an ideal plant for tanks with moderate light and can tolerate a variety of water conditions.
- Adds depth: The plant’s beautiful foliage provides color contrast and visual appeal in your tank.
Care tips:
- Cryptocoryne grows best in moderate light and can tolerate temperatures between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 26°C).
- It may undergo a process called “Crypt melt” when introduced to new conditions, but don’t worry—this is temporary, and new growth will emerge soon.
4. Planting and Arranging Plants in Small Aquariums
When arranging plants in a small aquarium, keep in mind the size and growth habits of the plants you choose. Use the following tips to create a balanced and beautiful aquascape:
- Foreground: Small plants like Dwarf Hairgrass or Baby Tears work well in the foreground, providing a lush, carpeted effect.
- Midground: Plants like Java Fern and Anubias are great for the middle of the tank, where they can receive moderate lighting and thrive.
- Background: Taller plants like Amazon Sword or Cryptocoryne can be placed at the back of the tank, creating a beautiful backdrop.
Tip: Ensure that plants are spaced adequately so they have room to grow and don’t overcrowd the tank. Avoid placing plants in direct line with the filter’s water flow, as this can stress the plants and inhibit their growth.
5. Conclusion
Choosing the right aquatic plants for small aquariums is a balancing act between aesthetics, functionality, and ease of care. Plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Java Moss are all excellent choices for small tanks, as they thrive in low-light conditions and require minimal maintenance. By considering the specific needs of your tank, the lighting available, and the space requirements of each plant, you can create a thriving, vibrant ecosystem for your fish.
With proper care, these plants will not only beautify your aquarium but also improve the overall health and stability of your aquatic environment. Happy planting!
