Question: Good plants for the tank?

[Janilla]

I was wondering what live plants might be the best to put into an axolotl tank? Such as plants that will do well in a darker environment, or the best plants to put in there in general!

Thank you guys so much!

 

[JessJesting]

I can safely tell you that java fern will grow in just about any lighting. Same with java moss. I'm not sure as to any others someone else will chime in and let you know I'm sure. Anubias maybe I always have had success with those in my low light fish tanks.


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[Smoxolotl]

My anubias are doing well, however, my elodea and amazon swords are absolutely thriving in my low/ no direct light tanks! Plenty of good info posted on here already, just search.:happy:

 

[kcoscia]

Many forms of java fern and Anubias, elodea, various mosses (java), rotala species, hygrophilia species, swords (Amazons can outgrow quickly so make sure your tank is large enough) floating plants (frogbit, dwarf water lettuce, duckweed) and many more! Google "low light plants" for great lists

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[Jamocha]

Hello! I've also heard plants were good to help cycle a tank, so I was planning on getting some myself. However, I read in an Axolotl care book that they recommend not using live plants in a small aquarium (I'm getting a 20 gallon long), as it will make the axolotl sick due to making high levels of ammonia. Has anyone had experience with this?

 

[Smoxolotl]

If the plants are not healthy and start dying in the tank, then yes, that could/will happen. They also require maintenance to keep your tank clean. But healthy plants are good for a tank, as they help to keep the water cleaner by removing toxins, among other benefits. With axolotls it's important to get low temperature/ light requirement plants. Fake plants are easier, but they do little to improve the quality of the underwater environment. I personally have both in my tanks.

 

[kcoscia]

Aquatic plants absorb ammonia from the water, while I believe decay would display as high nitrates in a cycled system (which is decomped ammonia)

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[JessJesting]

Agreed. With any plants it's best to clip off dying leaves and be quick to get any dead plant matter out of the tank. The dead matter will make your nitrates sky rocket if they stay in there too long.


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