aquarium plant suggestions?

Question

just set up a 10 gallon tank and have already added plants. Unfortunetly:

1) I bought two species of plants that were Petco Aqua plants and I swere I think they just made the names up because I can't find any information on them

2) I finally found some info on the plants and it turns out they are not actually aquatic plants

3) Since they are not really aquatic plants of course they aren't ment for underwater life and they will die soon

**4) Luckily I scored one half-wrongly marked java fern (by chance. They did correctly throw "fern" into their made-up name)

Anyway, after all of these let downs I am finally ready to try the planted aquarium thing again. I thought I should go to the fish store knowing what I want this time so...

What easy to care for (and hardy) plants do you recommend for my 10 gallon tank? I want something that will provide cover for the cherry barbs and zebra danios I am going to add(once the cycle is over. It's taking for ever )

Answer 1

Yeah, fish stores frequently mislabel their plants. Sometimes it works out well, I once got some really nice giant hygro for the price of some other cheap plant because it was mislabeled :D

And yes, I have also stupidly bought non-aquatic plants >< If your tank has an open top you can let him grow out the tank, but mine just rotted and fouled up the water.

Java fern is wonderful, just make sure you don't burry it. Instead, tie it to a piece of driftwood or rock.

Some other nice plants are java moss - it's great for baby fish to hide in, also.
Anubias - again, don't burry them, tie them to rock or driftwood.
Moss balls - actually an algae, but they are nice-looking and soak up nitrates.
Hygrophelia - but you'll likely need to trim it because they grow quickly
Amazon sword plant
Vallisneria
Penny wart (floating plant)

Avoid red plants, they require very high lighting and CO2. Also avoid bushy plants like ludwegia and wisteria. They're nice, but in my experience they grow way too fast and will quickly take over an aquarium.

Also, have you looked into a do-it-yourself CO2? All you need is a 2lt coke bottle, some airline tubing, sugar, yeast, warmwater, and a CO2 airstone :) Google DIY CO2 for lots of ideas, its' really easy to do and it's great for the plants.

Answer 2

I used to have this stuff called java moss. It would grow as long strands with no roots. A little bit in your tank soon turns into a giant puff so you need to keep pulling it out, unless your fish eat it (some do). You can move it around and bury a little under the gravel or a rock.

Answer 3

I love moss balls! They're cool to look at and the fish have fun pushing them around!