10 Best Plants for Small Fish Tanks

Keeping a freshwater aquarium can be an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Adding live plants to a small fish tank not only enhances its beauty but also improves water quality and provides shelter for fish. However, with so many options to choose from, selecting the right plants can be overwhelming for beginners.

This article will discuss the 10 best plants for small aquariums along with tips for their care and placement.

1. Anubias

Anubias is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow. It has broad dark green leaves and does well in low light conditions. Anubias can be attached to decor, wood or rocks using fishing line or glue. Since its roots feed from the water, planting it in substrate is not required.

There are several types of Anubias suitable for nano tanks like Anubias nana and Anubias barteri. They are slow growing and stay short, making them perfect foreground plants.

2. Java Moss

Java moss is a versatile and hardy plant that grows well in almost any setup. It has a bright green color and delicate, feathery appearance. In small tanks, Java moss can be used to create thick carpets along the bottom or attached to decor as a moss wall.

It grows fairly quickly and helps absorb excess nutrients in the water, controlling algae growth. Java moss also provides hiding spots for shy fish and shelter for fry.

3. Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo moss balls are one of the simplest aquarium plants to keep. These soft, round balls of green algae can be placed directly into the tank. They grow very slowly and require no special care.

Moss balls help improve water quality by consuming nitrates and ammonia. Their spherical shape and velvety texture adds interest to nano aquascapes.

4. Cryptocoryne

Cryptocorynes are excellent foreground plants with broad leaves emerging from short stems, They grow slowly and stay small enough for small tanks, Some popular varieties are Cryptocoryne wendtii and Cryptocoryne parva

Cryptocorynes thrive in low to moderate light. Their broad leaves provide shade and security for fish. They are hardy plants but may melt initially when introduced to a new tank.

5. Java Fern

Java fern has leathery, deep green leaves that grow on wiry black stems. It’s an easy to grow plant that attaches itself to driftwood, rocks or decor instead of being planted. Java fern helps absorb excess nutrients and provides shelter for fish.

It grows slowly and does well in low to moderate light. The fine leaf patterns and downward curving leaves give Java fern a graceful appearance. Keeping the rhizome above the substrate is important.

6. Hornwort

Hornwort is a stem plant with long, thin forked leaves. It grows rapidly and is excellent for absorbing nitrogen compounds like ammonia and nitrates from the water. Due to its fast growth, frequent trimming may be required.

In small tanks, hornwort can provide a nice green background. It does not require special substrate and grows floating or rooted in gravel. Low to moderate light is sufficient for hornwort.

7. Water Wisteria

With its attractive green leaves and rapid growth, water wisteria is a great choice for nano tanks. When given sufficient light, it can form bushy bunches ranging from light to dark green in color.

Water wisteria is easy to care for and undemanding about water conditions. It helps with controlling algae by competing for nutrients in the water column. This stem plant also provides shelter and spawning sites for fish.

8. Anacharis

Anacharis is a versatile stem plant that grows quickly and helps maintain water quality. In small tanks, it can provide a green backdrop or floating surface coverage. This oxygenating plant improves water clarity by absorbing nitrogen compounds.

Since anacharis grows rapidly, regular trimming is required to keep it bushy. It flourishes in moderate light and varying water conditions. The long, bright green leaves provide security for small fish and fry.

9. Amazon Sword

The Amazon sword plant has broad spear-shaped leaves that can grow quite large. Keeping it trimmed prevents overgrowth in nano tanks. It grows from a heavy root system that requires planting in substrate.

Amazon swords adapt well to varying conditions but need nutrient-rich substrate and moderate lighting. The lush leaves provide shade and spawning sites for fish. Beginners should choose compact sword varieties for small aquariums.

10. Dwarf Sagittaria

Dwarf sagittaria is a grassy plant ideal for carpeting the bottom of small tanks. It has thin, bright green leaves under 4 inches tall that spread horizontally to form a lush meadow. Moderate light and iron-rich substrate encourage growth.

The compact size and rapid growth of dwarf sag make it perfect for nano aquascapes. It provides a natural-looking foreground and helps prevent algae growth. Overall, dwarf sagittaria is an easy, non-demanding plant for beginners.

With this selection of easy, low-maintenance plants, setting up a beautifully aquascaped small tank is simple. Paying attention to factors like light, nutrients and planting technique helps ensure success. Before long, your aquarium will have a flourishing underwater garden for you to enjoy!