“High Tech” Aquariums are tanks with strong lighting. This allows plants that require strong light to grow quickly, but can do so healthily if there is plenty of carbon dioxide. In a high-tech installation, CO2 is provided by bubbling water into water through a diffuser.
Most “High Tech” aquarium plants can survive in a “Low Tech” tank (a regular aquarium with no added CO2). Indeed, some of the most vibrant plants we think of as “High Tech”, such as Rotala colorata or Micranthemum ‘Monte Carlo’, will grow just fine without CO2 or bright light – they just won’t grow as fast or bushy. In the case of rotala colorata, the colors may not be as vibrant. What we mean is that you are aware that only the addition of CO2 can help unleash their full potential.
When it comes to choosing plants, it’s helpful to group them by leaf size and total plant height. Thin-leaved, slow-growing plants such as Micranthemum “Monte Carlo”, which grow quickly in “High Tech” conditions and will create a carpet feel, are perfect for the foreground. Another favorite is dwarf hairgrass Eleocharis parvula.
Some popular carpet plants that we don’t recommend for beginners (or those who don’t want the extra work) are HEMIANTHUS CALLITRICHOIDES ‘CUBA’, a much more finicky, small-leaved ‘Monte Carlo’, and the extremely slow-growing Glossostigma elatinoides. The former is very sensitive to water parameter fluctuations that could potentially lead to abiotic zones; the latter can make the front of a new tank prone to diatoms and other algae due to lack of rapid growth.
For the center of the aquarium, the slightly slower-growing root feeders Cryptocoryne species and the Alternanthera species, which have relatively large red leaves that are impressive in bright light, are great choices. Pearl grass (Hemianthus micranthemoides) is another great plant to place in the middle if pruned properly. With the right encouragement and good light it can form a dense bush. If using driftwood or rocks in the foreground, epiphytic plants are always a good choice. Hobbyist favorites include Christmas moss, Hygrophila pinnatifida, and good old Java fern (Microsorum pteropus). Bucephalandra species are also an excellent and beautiful choice for hardscaping landscaping.
The background of the tank contains the most beloved category of plants – these are plants with “High Tech” stems. Favorites include Rotala rotundifolia “colorata,” Rotala macrandra, Rotala rotundifolia “Green,” and Ludwigia sp. “Superred mini.” In bright light, Ammannia pedicellata will impart interesting, rich yellow tones to an aquarium landscape. The important thing about background plants is to plant them densely and cover a large portion of the tank land to create a dense backdrop. As we often remind hobbyists, do not hesitate to prune stem plants frequently to encourage branching.
We hope this whitepaper has helped provide a little more direction when it comes to choosing plants. Clanaquascaping has a huge collection of plants to choose from. Remember to plant loosely and thickly from the start, and don’t be afraid to mix things up if you get bored of your landscape!