A planted tank without CO2

Easy plants, a timer and some patience.

You don't need injected carbon dioxide or an expensive light to grow plants. You need plants that tolerate low light and a steady routine.

Pick the right plants

Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria and mosses all grow under an ordinary hood light. Carpet plants such as Monte Carlo and dwarf hairgrass need strong light and CO2, so leave them for later.

Plant them properly

• Tie Anubias and Java fern to rock or wood. Burying the rhizome rots it.
• Push root tabs into the substrate near crypts, swords and Vallisneria. They feed through their roots.
• Expect crypts to shed leaves after planting. They regrow once settled.

Keep algae down

Run the light for six to eight hours a day on a timer. Longer than that mostly grows algae. Fast growers such as hornwort and floating plants soak up the nutrients algae would use.