Ideal plants for a community aquarium include:

• Amazon Swords: A centerpiece plant that thrives in various tank conditions.
• Tiger Lotus: Green and red varieties, makes an excellent tall centrepiece plant.
• Cryptocoryne wendtii: Adds lush greenery and grows well in low light.

Live plants:

• Create a natural and calming habitat for fish.
• Absorb toxins like ammonia and nitrates, improving water quality.
• Provide hiding spots and grazing surfaces for fish.
• Help prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients.

Yes, artificial plants can be used alongside live plants to enhance the aquarium’s aesthetics. However, live plants like Wisteria and Anubias offer added benefits, such as improving water quality and mimicking natural habitats. This results in happier, healthier community aquarium fish.

For a community tank, easy-to-care-for plants include hardy options like Anubias, Ambulina, Cryptocorynes, and Echinodorus varieties. These plants are perfect for beginners, thriving in various water conditions with minimal maintenance.

Live plants:

• Reduce stress by providing natural hiding spots.
• Offer a surface for biofilm, which some fish and shrimp feed on.
• Create oxygen during the day, improving overall tank health.

• Use substrate for rooted plants like Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
• Netted pots can be planted directly into the substrate, while plants in terracotta pots sit on the substrate and can be easily moved around when refining and updating your planted community aquarium.

Most community aquarium plants thrive under low to medium lighting. For plants like Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne, use lights with a spectrum between 6500K–7500K for optimal growth.

See our full range of premium LED Lighting.

Yes, most live plants are compatible with community fish. Hardy plants like Anubias are unappealing for hungry fish.

• Trim overgrown plants to prevent overcrowding.
• Clean algae from leaves using a soft sponge or by introducing algae-eating fish.
• Use liquid fertilizers or root tabs for nutrient support.
• Perform regular water changes to keep plants healthy.

Yes, live plants like Amazon Swords compete with algae for nutrients, reducing algae growth. Proper lighting and water changes also help control algae.

Aquarium soil or fine gravel works well for rooted plants like Cryptocoryne wendtii and Amazon Swords. Ensure the substrate is nutrient-rich to support healthy plant growth.