Good plant for tank?

I want to get a plant or 2 for my tank. What is a good, easy to care for plant? And is it better to buy the ones that are in the tanks at the store, or the ones in the plastic cylinders?

Also, I want something relatively cheap, if possible. I dont have a ton of money to spend on things for the tank :(

What type of fish do you have? and what type of lighting?

I have platys, guppies, a cory catfish, and a tetra. As for lighting, um........ I couldnt say. I have been wanting to get a different light, tho, because this one seems to cast a yellowish glow, and it makes my fish look not so pretty.

The plants in the tubes usually don't live long. They are shoved in the tubes and stay there for weeks to months. Usually wisteria (water sprite) works well. Hornwort is good for guppies... but it really depends on what you like. Just make sure the light is on long enough. Maybe get a plant growth light and the fish and plants will be happy!

Red ... how big is your tank and if you'll turn off the light and look at the bulb and supply what type of bulb and it's wattage, the knowledgeable experts on here can certainly help ya! The are a goldmine of information and advice! Best of luck!

For your live bearers java moss and horntwort are both great. Java moss will attack to anything liek a peice of drift wood you can anchor it on with fishing line or rubber bands or you can leave it floating. Hornwort floats at the top it grows SUPER fast but that way the fry can hide in the moss and the hornwort. both dont require alot of light and both grow pretty fast :)

Keelo wrote:

For your live bearers java moss and horntwort are both great. Java moss will attach to anything liek a peice of drift wood you can anchor it on with fishing line or rubber bands or you can leave it floating. Hornwort floats at the top it grows SUPER fast but that way the fry can hide in the moss and the hornwort. both dont require alot of light and both grow pretty fast :)

Is it pretty easy to find? I might look for that. Especially since we would like to at least give any more future babies a chance to live.

since it grows so fast alot of people jsut give it away. petco and petsmart wont have it usually so check with any local owned fish stored you have or in a few more weeks i could probably mail you atleast some hornswort.

Oh a tip with hornwort is uses alot of nutreince out of the tank which is good for your tank but after a couple months it will start running our of the nutrience it needs in the tank so try to get a liquid fertilizer and it will do great.

Theres alot of people around the forum that would send you java moss too. Try making a WTB ad if you arnt able to find any locally :)

Thank you very much for the info :) I will try to find a fish store. Not sure if there are any nearby. I only know of petco and petsmart.


If I cant find one, I will take your advice and post a wanted ad.

Another good selection for live-bearers I think would be wisteria! Plenty of places to hide!

As mentioned before water wisteria is a excellent low light plant with fast growth. Hornwort, java fern, some aponogetons, and some types of anubias are good beginner plants. The plants in the plastic containers are normally not full aquatic although they may look good for a little while. Don't bother wasting your money on them.

What size tank and what type of light bulb do you have? A good flourescent or compact flourescent bulb would be good for your plants. Usually a 8 to 10 hr light period should be sufficient. A normal daylight bulb (5500K to 8000K) would work fine for plant growth.