What type of plants can I grow in a 12" tall aquarium?

Ok, so I'm going to buy my aquarium 2nd hand soon. It's a 20 gallon long aquarium; 12" tall, 12" wide, 36" long.

So I really want to make it a heavily planted aquarium. Can you guys give me some suggestions as to what types of plants would be best suited for a tank that's only 12" tall?

Also, I heard that you need to fill the substrate around 2", so that would actually mean the tank will only be around 10" tall. I plan to use construction sand as the substrate.

Here are some of the plants I though I might use:
- java moss
- java fern
- anubias
- vals
- penny worts
- amazon sword <<< will the amazon sword grow too large for a 10" tall tank?

I don't plan to use any CO2. I will be buying fertilizer tablets and some liquid ferts as well. The filter is an aqueon power 55 filter. The heater is 100 watts. I'm not sure what the light is; I haven't asked the person I'm buying it from yet, but I'll know soon.

I think the fishes I'll be putting in the tank will suffice for CO2.

Please let me know if the plants I've choses will outgrow my tank and I'll appreciate some suggestions of other low tech plants for a tank that's only around 10"-12" tall.

Thanks a lot.

 

The amazon will grow very large so it might not be a good choice. The rest of the list would be fine, but the vals will need pretty frequent trimming. You could look at some crypts, there are plenty of species that wouldn't outgrow the tank. Also, check out dwarf sag; it'll only grow about 4 inches tall and will spread out like a carpet. With a tank only 12 inches tall you will get pretty decent light even with T8's. Good luck!

 

The amazon will grow very large so it might not be a good choice. The rest of the list would be fine, but the vals will need pretty frequent trimming. You could look at some crypts, there are plenty of species that wouldn't outgrow the tank. Also, check out dwarf sag; it'll only grow about 4 inches tall and will spread out like a carpet. With a tank only 12 inches tall you will get pretty decent light even with T8's. Good luck!

yea that's what I though too. So I guess I won't get the sword. Thanks for your reply! I think I'll add the dwarf sags and crypts you mentioned!

I also came up with a few other plants I could add: salvinia, marsilea, and liverwort.

 

Good morning and Welcome to Fish Lore!

To help you to receive more responses, I have moved your thread from Freshwater Beginners to Aquarium Plants section of the forum.

Thanks! I hope you enjoy the site.

Ken

 

The amazon sword may grow too big but in a lower light tank it may also take quite a while. You could keep trimming it thou...

The other thought is let it grow and then sell it when it becomes too large for your tank.

The list looks great to me as well. T8 with that tank will be fine esspecially with a light fert dosing. Seachem root tabs will be great in a tank like that and with the live plants the fish should help take care of the rest.

One other plant you may like are lilys, there are some aquatic versions usually from bulbs. I have one in my 10gal with only a standard hood and it is happy as can be.

 

I'd try some giant val. That should grow well in any conditions. It does grow VERY fast tho, so you may have to trim it every few weeks.

 

also, is it necessary to use a nutrient substrate to underly the sand as well or is the tablet ferts enough? Also, will I have to continue using the tablet ferts or is it ok to use use them to start up the tank then stop after a month or so. Same with the liquid ferts.

thanks for all the answers!

 

Usually the tablets are more than enough for the basics.

I would go for a sand base and call it a day and insert the tabs per directions.

 

Yep, with the plants you have listed a sand substrate with some root tabs will work great.

 

Vals and most swords grow too tall. Microswords would work. If the top is open then tall plants may work.

 

yeah the giant vals prob wouldnt be a great idea, mine reach the top of my 75gal very easily and that is at least 20 inches, and they bend across the top and give a good cover. granted I kinda like it and the fish enjoy playing in it so it isn't all bad.

 

I just realised that 12" = 30cm... HERP DERP

Ok, Giant val wouldn't be a great idea...