Plants For Hard/alkaline Water

[Gavilb]

Does anyone know any plants which are suited to hard/alkaline water? or hardy plants that could tolerate these conditions??

 

[jimbooo]

basically slow growers. alkaline water will have a low co2 content.

the usual list

anubias (any species)
Java Moss
Java Fern
maybe Windelov (needs low/med light)
Vallis (any kind)

 

[Lateral Line]

Many Cryptocoryne species are naturally from harder more alkali waters. Hornwort is also easily available and works well in hard water.

 

[George Farmer]

Actually most plants will grow fine in hard water.

Lighting, CO2 and other nutrients are more important than water chemistry.

As a guide plants from softwater origin will generally grow fine in hard water whereas plants that originate from hardwater areas will not grow well in softwater.

Most aquatic plants do come from softwater habitats but here are some that thrive exclusively in hard water; Vallisneria species (in particular Twisted Vallis), Some Cryptocoryne species, Egeria species, Bacopa monnieri, Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort).

The problem with harder water is that it can oxidise some micronutrients very quickly rendering them useless, it is therefore important to fertilise properly. If you don't intend having a fair amount of light with CO2 injection then stick to Jimbooo's list with the addition of Crypts and Swords.

For a comprehensive list of plants that do well in hard water check out the Tropica link in my signature and look under "Advanced Search" - select hard or very hard water.