Compatible Plants With An Undergravel Filter?

[sasmcpot]

Hey all,

Thanks for all the help I have received so far on these forums, it has been nothing short of exceptional!

I have an undergravel filter, and from research I know most types of plants are not ideal as the roots can clog the system and they do not like rushing water etc.

But I was wondering, can you name any types of plants that are compatible? I've finally obtained some money and would like to invest on making my tank look as sexy as possible!

Info if required:

33 UK Gallon Tank,
2 Beam lights,
10 Guppies, 10 Neon Tetras, 2 Corys,
Water kept at 25 degrees C.

Many thanks,

 

[SBL]

I see your problem with roots, yes. I have had some plants and surprised at root growth over a week. I'm talking 2 inches of new roots weekly.

 

[drobbyb]

Anubias and java fern would be compatible as long as you anchored them to rocks or wood. Some floating plants like duckweed would do well. There are more than duckweed in this category but their names escape me at the moment...

 

[wendywc]

I agree... floating plants and plants attached to wood. Also putting plants into pots or potting plants into crevices of wood/decor with substrate.

 

[Floyds mum]

Moss balls

 

[Honeythorn]

Java fern, Java moss, any aquatic mosses and plants attached to wood or rock basically, moss balls, floating plants like Riccia, water lettuce, frogbit and duckweed ( as long as you keep duckweed in check as it quickly covers the entire tank surface and blocks light if you leave it )

As long as it doesn't root in the gravel you can use it. You could always go for a mix of silk and live plants if you want some plants in the gravel to fill space. Some good quality silk plants will move and look reasonably realistic and blend fairly well with the live mosses and so on.

If you want rooted plants then you would need to remove the UG ( which are not very good filters to begin with really ) and replace with either an internal or external cannister.

 

[waterdrop]

Agree with the others. Anubias, Java ferns that like to be on wood and rocks is the way to go. There's an extra benefit too. With the smaller ones, like anubias on rocks, you can move them around (or even take them out if you keep them wet) at will so you can clean the gravel, the undergravel filter or do other tank tasks. It really makes maintenance easier. I have a nice anubia rubberbanded to a round rock somewhat smaller than a golf ball.

~~waterdrop~~