My first live plant...

**jaysee** · 07-05-2009, 08:39 AM

I think I am going to try some floating live plants in my 55 to provide cover for the african butterfly fish I'll be getting. Any suggestions? I need something I can't kill.

**korith** · 07-05-2009, 08:44 AM

Perhaps water lilies, water lettuce or if you want to go with the nuclear option the one plant that no one can kill off get duckweed.

Check out http://plantgeek.net/plantguide.php is divided into many categories and has pictures and info on many plants.

**jaysee** · 07-05-2009, 08:53 AM

Sounds like duckweed is a good place to start.

**korith** · 07-05-2009, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by jaysee

Sounds like duckweed is a good place to start.

once it gets into your tank, you'll never be able to get rid of it.

**jaysee** · 07-05-2009, 09:17 AM

I had read that, which is why I am now looking at mini water lettuce...

**PostalPenguin** · 07-05-2009, 03:03 PM

I have Amazon frogbit. It grows quite fast but unlike duckweed is big enough that you can be sure to remove it completely if needed.

**plantedlab** · 07-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Water lettuce or hyacinth is a great one. Cool looking roots, and easy to grow and multiply.

Duckweed is a great plant, but it is VERY messy. It is an amazing survivor and will manage to find it's way into other tanks. It is incredibly difficult to eradicate or even control once it's established. Not so good for a beginner to plants.

**smaug** · 07-05-2009, 03:26 PM

True water lettuce or hycanth needs at least 6" of room to grow above waterline,more like 12" to be realistic.Dwarf lettuce can be grown well with about 3" depending on how much heat your lighting gives off.I have found azolla to be pretty simple and grows fast.