Seeking Stem Plant Advice

thekoimaiden

I decided to make an attempt at aquascaping my 10 gal divided betta tank. I'll have Anubias in the front, Java Fern attached to driftwood in the midground, Duckweed floating on top, and a stem plant in the background to give heavy cover. I have a 6500k 18" bulb. I don't fertilize and prefer to keep this low-tec.

What stem plants would work well in this situation?

Right now I have Hornwort and anarcharis, but I don't really like the look of Hornwort (it's just being a nutrient sink in the Goldfish tank). The stores around me sell Bacopa carolina and Bacopa monnieri.

Byron

You might want to see what is available and try something you like the look of. Just one bunch, which shouldn't be too expensive. If it survives, fine; if not, try another. I have done this. Some plants will do well in this tank but not that tank, even if the light is the same, so trial and error.

One stem plant that is guaranteed to work is Brazilian Pennywort, it thrives in my moderate-light tanks whether planted or allowed to float. Fast growing, but then most stem plants are, so weekly trimming to keep it controlled. And its unique leaf shape and lighter green is a nice contrast to the generally darker-green plants.

thekoimaiden

Trial and error sounds good to me. I'll give the anarcharis and bacopa sp. a try first as they are what I have easy access to. I'd rather not be shipping live plants in the mail this time of year. Especially with the rapid swings in temp we've been having. 34F one day. 65F the next.