Beginner Plants (No CO2)
Java fern, anubias, amazon sword, vallisneria, cryptocoryne wendtii, java moss. All tolerate low light and thrive without CO2 injection.
Attach java fern and anubias to wood or rocks — never bury rhizome.
Intermediate (Medium Light)
Amazon frogbit, water lettuce, Ludwigia repens, Hygrophila difformis. Need medium lighting (30+ PAR).
Benefit from liquid ferts weekly. Can flower under right conditions.
Advanced (High Tech)
Rotala rotundifolia, HC cuba, Alternanthera reineckii, Monte Carlo carpet. Need CO2 injection + high light.
Reward: vivid red leaves, dense carpets, and aquascaping competition look.
Mixing Strategy
Start 80% easy plants + 20% intermediate. Replace easy with harder over time as you get comfortable.
Dense initial planting helps outcompete algae in new tanks.