Guppy Plants

[ripil]

whats the best sort of plants to keep in a guppy and swordtail tank? so far i've tried 3 different plants and they've all been nibbled to death. one (oxygen weed) almost had a chance to attach to the bog wood but then the guppies got their killed it and the swordtails finished it off. its almost like their not eating but they are. also i've got coral sand in the tank with them so maybe the alkaline is too high. more than one bloke at the lfs said livebearers would be fine with it but now their eating the plants like its no tomorrow.

 

[the_lock_man]

Poecilids do like a high pH, so that shouldn't be an issue.

TBH, I've not suffered this problem with guppies. Mine started in my small tank, with a crypto and a sword, no problems. They are now in my bigger tank, with the sword and loads of vallis, again no probs.

 

[helterskelter]

Best plant is Java moss.

Provides loads of cover for fry and encourages microscopic foods to grow which both fry and adult livebeares like to nibble.
There is no issues of it being killed off from the fish, I've had it for over 20 years and only found cichlids kill it.

 

[ripil]

nice one thanks for the replies. does java moss take alot to maintain? i've heard it grows quite quick and can take over a tank if its not cut back loads. thanks again.

 

[nitrogen15]

I'd also recommend the java moss. It does sometimes need a wash, and you'll have to remove excess growth. Java fern also does well. Mine eat the algae off of it and leave the plant itself alone.

 

[Jenste]

I recommend Water Wisteria - - It grows like a weed in my tank and I am about as big of a brown thumb as you can find! I leave it floating but you can easily plant it. Floating it gives great canopy cover

 

[ripil]

it looks like i'll be getting java moss or java fern and water wisteria then as they suit both the needs as i've got quite a few male swordtails. so cover would help out alot. would in be a good idea to get some flora boost for them? thanks for the replies.