If you’re looking for a plant that will bring fun and enjoyment to your aquarium, consider getting an Amazon Sword plant. These plants are very hardy and can thrive in almost any condition. They have a complex root system and long flowing leaves that guppies will love. Not to mention, they provide lots of fun and hiding places for your guppies.
An aquarium that is planted with live plants can greatly enhance the look of a fish tank. Live plants are known to clean your water by consuming nitrates, as well as balancing the water parameters. These plants also make your tank less appealing to algae, which can be a pain to keep track of. Having live plants will also give cover to your fish especially if you have shy or skittish species in your tank. Guppies truly are amazing, and I’ve been keeping black bar Endler guppies for many years. I have a heavily planted aquarium, which provides a lot of cover for the guppies and their fry. But what are the plants that provide the best shelter and environment for guppies?
Cabomba
Cabomba plants thrive best in cool, partially shaded areas. They do not grow well in full sun or high humidity, and need frequent CO2 injections to keep their leaves lush and vibrant. However, it is important not to overcrowd them, as this may result in stunted growth.
Cabomba plants are easy to grow in aquariums, and you can purchase them from your local pet store. The stems should be removed from their rubber bands and disinfected before planting. When planting, make sure to plant the stems a little further apart and at least an inch deep. This way, you’ll prevent potential pests from eating the delicate roots. Once planted, they will naturally grow adventitious roots and start to grow.
You can buy the Cabomba species in your local aquarium store, or you can order them online from reputable vendors. They range in price from $ 5 to $10 for a five-stem bunch. They usually have healthy, tall stems and lush leaves, and some may even produce flowers. The stems may also produce new shoots. Despite the invasive nature of the Cabomba, it’s a great choice for aquascaping tropical fish tanks.
Anubias Nana
Anubias nana guppy plants are hardy, but they should never be planted in a shady area, since the leaves require light to photosynthesise. It is best to space plants at least two inches apart. If planted too closely, they will compete with each other for resources. The best substrate for Anubias nana plants is sand, but it is okay to use fine-grained gravel.
The Anubias nana is a dwarf plant, growing only a few inches tall. The leaves are small and rounded, with secondary veins running diagonally from the center vein. This plant is also one of the few plants that flowers fully submerged, though its flowers are not particularly impressive. Regardless, it adds interesting details to your aquascape.
Green foxtail
Green foxtail is an excellent plant for beginner aquariums, as it does not require strong lighting, CO2 injection, or fertilizers. The leaves of the plant are feathery, which makes them particularly attractive to guppies. Moreover, the plant can be planted in either soil or substrate. Depending on the species, they grow at a moderate rate, about one to two inches per week.
Green foxtail can absorb nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite in the water. These are toxic to fish above a certain ppm level, and the plant will eliminate up to 10 pp of nitrate in a few weeks. It also inhibits algae growth and uses most of the available nutrients in the water.
Java moss
The biggest difference between Guppy Plant and Java moss is that the former has no roots and can be grown on almost any surface in your aquarium. It’s most commonly used as a carpeting on the bottom of the tank and looks good when grown on driftwood. However, it can spread rapidly from the original clump and needs to be carefully trimmed to avoid it looking overgrown.
The Java moss is a beautiful addition to your aquarium. It has delicate, branched stems with oval-shaped leaves that overlap one another. Its shape changes depending on the substrate on which it’s grown.
Amazon sword
The Guppy Plant and the Amazon sword are two plants from the same genus. They have similar needs and tank conditions, but are very different in their appearance. In the wild, the Amazon sword has small blossoms that grow from long stems. This plant must develop strong roots before it can produce new leaves on its own. The Guppy Plant and Amazon sword can grow together or they can be kept apart.
They grow slowly, so they are best placed in larger tanks. They are relatively easy to keep and are fairly hardy. They can tolerate a variety of fish, though you may have to be careful not to overcrowd the aquarium with them. Regardless, they are striking additions to any aquarium, providing an excellent cover for the fish and fresh oxygen. They require favorable tank conditions, so be sure to research what conditions are right for your tank before adding them.
It’s my opinion that the Amazon Sword and Tiger Barb plants are the best plants to keep with your guppies. Both of these plants add a beautiful display to your aquarium, and provide your fish with much-needed cover. I see no reason not to include them in your guppy tank. After all, you should always strive for the most natural habitat possible for these little fish.