Best Plants For Your Nano Aquariums

Nano aquarium is not a new term in the world of aquariums. They are the perfect option to ponder when space and money are the issues, yet the urge to have a fish tank is high. Being small in size they don’t need large space for placement. Moreover, they can easily accommodate fish and a few small plants to give an aesthetic view to the room.

Other than this, it is also an excellent option for people who want to have a little different yet highly creative tank. Although small in size, with the selection of right fish and plants they can easily brighten up the room. Also, the right aquascaping will make it as lush and vivid as the big aquariums.

If you are thinking to take the challenge of creating a nano aquarium, the content below will help to a great extent. Here we have provided the six best and most suitable plants for your nano aquariums. These tiny plants fit perfectly to a small sized tank without outgrowing it and make it look great.

Cryptocoryne parva

There are different varieties in the genes Cryptocoryne with different growth habits. While some grow rapidly and attain good height, some are tiny and grow with small speed. Interestingly, Cryptocoryne parva is one of them and is therefore perfect for nano aquariums. It is also known as the dwarf Crypt which doesn’t grow more than 6 cm.

The best part is that it doesn’t require high maintenance. The only requirement is stronger light for the better upkeep of shape and size. The plant generally remains compact in size under the right conditions.  Tiny size, compact shape, and slow growth pattern are the reasons for making it the most suitable plant for the nano aquariums.

Water Cabbage

Water cabbage is a beautiful small plant which can be seen growing in marshy lands. They are found growing either submerged or fully emerged in the water. Although not a very popular aquarium plant, it makes a perfect one for the nano tanks. The name water cabbage is given because the leaves grow in rosette shapes similar to that of a head of cabbage. The small heads that do not exceed 10 cm make it an excellent option for aquascaping. It requires plenty of light for proper growth and development.

Undemanding nature and slow growth pattern make it suitable for beginners. Water cabbage can be used as a foreground plant and give an aesthetic view to the tank.

Anubias nana

If we name some of the easiest plants for nano aquariums, Anubias will secure the first place. Being the least demanding and low-light plant, it doesn’t require high maintenance or care. Anubias has different varieties which seems suitable for nano aquariums due to their slow growth pattern and tiny size. However, Anubias nana is considered the most perfect.

Anubias nana is also called as the dwarf version of genes Anubias. It has small leaves, compact shape, and slow growth. The plane is perfect for aquascaping a nano aquarium. All that you need is to attach it with some driftwood and let it flourish inside the tank. It work grows well in different water conditions.

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Generally, the different species of Hydrocotyle grows vertically and reach the top of the tank. However, on the contrary, Hydrocotyle verticillata trails and grow across the surface of the aquarium. Due to the trailing habit, it remains low in the tank and therefore fits perfectly for the nano size aquariums.

The plant requires plenty of light to thrive well and show the right growth pattern. Unless the desired lighting is provided, it doesn’t call for any other specific requirement. It appreciates getting a good amount of carbon dioxide and nutrients to augment the growth. Hydrocotyle verticillata remains lush green and can be used for beautiful aquascaping.

Dwarf hairgrass

If you want to provide a carpet-like look to the tank, dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) could become your option. The little resemblance with terrestrial grass it makes a perfect low carpeting plant. The grass is very tiny in size giving a carpet-like look in the surface of the aquarium. It grows fast and spread rapidly forming a dense carpet.

Dwarf hairgrass due to its less demanding and easy care nature becomes an excellent option for all the beginners. Unlike other carpeting plants, aquarists face no challenge in growing it. All that it needs is little clean-up weekly as the filth may get stuck in between the grass. Other than this, it requires strong lighting conditions and a good amount of carbon dioxide and other nutrients to flourish.

Staurogyne repens

It is one of those plants which can be used on both large tanks and nano aquariums. The small and compact size, as well as slow growth, contributes to making it one of the suitable plants. Staurogyne repens can be an excellent mid-ground plant for small tanks. The only thing which should be kept in mind is pruning the plant on a regular basis. It will help in giving a creeping form.

This plant is hardy and can grow well in different water conditions. There are no specific requirements of pH, nutrients or intense lighting but just regular pruning. Also, the extra dose of carbon dioxide is not required for Staurogyne repens to flourish.

Wrapping up

When you have to work at the micro level, the need to sort things properly becomes essential. Nano aquarium might sound easy but require special care and little extra attention to get a better outcome. It is crucial to collect fish that usually remain small in size and plants that do not outgrow the tank’s size.

The above-listed plants are the best not just for the nano aquarium keepers but for the beginners as well. You can get any of them and aquascape the aquarium as per your choice. Slow growers, tiny in size, aesthetic in view, low in maintenance and very appealing, they fit the best for nano aquariums.

So, now you can proceed with giving some creative look to your nano tank. Let us know which plants you choose and what worked the best for you.