Planted Aquarium Blogs
10 Non-CO2 Aquarium Plants For Your Tank
Keeping a planted aquarium doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive CO₂ injection systems. In fact, there are plenty of Non-CO2 aquarium plants that don’t need CO₂ to grow healthy and beautiful. Low-tech planted tanks (those with no CO₂ injection) are not only budget-friendly but also beginner-friendly. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of going non-CO₂ and highlight 10 easy aquarium plants that can thrive in these setups. Whether you’re a newcomer or an intermediate aquarist, you can enjoy lush greenery with minimal fuss.
Benefits of Low-Tech, Non-CO₂ Planted Tanks
Low Maintenance: Without the need for a pressurized CO₂ system, there’s less equipment to manage and monitor. One doesn’tt have to worry about adjusting CO₂ levels daily or sudden pH swings from excess CO₂. This makes maintenance easier and more stable for your fish and aquatic plants. Plus, slower plant growth in low-CO₂ tanks means trimming plants less frequently.
Cost-Effective: A high-tech CO₂ setup (with cylinders, regulators, diffusers, etc.) can be expensive. Low-tech tanks save money by eliminating these costs. One can achieve a thriving aquatic garden without breaking the bank on CO₂ gear, making this approach great for hobbyists on a budget.
Flexibility & Forgiveness: Non-CO₂ aquarium plants are generally hardy and adaptable. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and light levels. This flexibility means a low-CO₂ aquarium is more forgiving of beginner mistakes. One can set up anything from a small desktop nano tank to a large community tank, and there will be suitable non-CO₂ plants for each.
Balanced Ecosystem: Low-tech planted tanks rely on a natural balance. Fish and plant waste provide nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and the plants grow at a moderate pace, helping absorb waste and control algae. With no CO₂ boosting rapid growth, the ecosystem can remain more stable. There’s also no risk of CO₂ overdosing, which can harm fish – a relief for aquarists who worry about fish safety.
Tip: Even though these plants don’t need injected CO₂, they still require basic nutrients to truly thrive without CO₂. Regularly dose a quality fertilizer to supply essential nutrients. For example, Aquatrition’s Optimum Nourishment provides potassium and micronutrients (relying on fish waste for nitrogen and phosphorus) – perfect for lightly planted or low-tech setups. Additionally, a trace element supplement like Aquatrition’s Trace Plus will replenish vital micronutrients to promote new growth. These products help ensure your non-CO₂ aquarium plants get everything they need for healthy growth in a low-tech tank.
Top 10 Aquarium Plants for Low-Tech (No CO₂) Tanks
One can cultivate a lush aquascape by choosing the right plant species. Here are 10 aquarium plants that don’t need CO₂ injection to flourish, along with what makes each one special:
Anubias (Anubias Barteri) – Anubias is a beloved low-tech plant known for its thick, dark green leaves and extreme hardiness. It’s a no-CO₂ aquarium plant that prefers low to moderate light and grows slowly. Because of its slow growth, it won’t overwhelm your tank with pruning needs. Anubias is typically attached to rocks or driftwood (rather than planted in substrate) and can tolerate a range of water conditions. It’s also seldom eaten by fish or snails. This plant will thrive in a non-CO₂ tank as long as you avoid very intense light (which can cause algae on its leaves). With minimal care, Anubias will steadily add a lush, jungle-like look to any planted aquarium over time.
Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus) – Java Fern is another staple for easy aquarium plants (no CO₂ required). It has elegant, elongated leaves that fan out beautifully and can create a focal point in any tank. Like Anubias, Java Fern prefers to attach its roots (rhizomes) to hardscape materials like wood or stone. It does well in low-light environments and actually dislikes too much light or fertilizer, which makes it ideal for low-tech setups. Java Fern’s ability to thrive without CO₂ injection and its undemanding nature (just tie it to a rock and let it grow!) make it perfect for beginners. It propagates by producing little baby plantlets on older leaves, so over time you can spread it to other parts of the tank.
Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne Wendtii) – Cryptocorynes, affectionately called “crypts,” are a genus of hardy rosette plants that come in many varieties. Crypt wendtii is a popular species for low-tech tanks. It features wavy, blade-like leaves that can be green, brown, or even reddish, adding texture and color to any aquascape. Crypts grow slowly and don’t need CO₂ supplementation to stay healthy. They do appreciate a nutrient-rich substrate (or root fertilizer tabs) since they are primarily root feeders. One thing to note: crypts may undergo “crypt melt” when first introduced (losing leaves due to changing water conditions), but new leaves will grow ones they are adapted to the tank. Once established, Cryptocoryne plants are low-maintenance and can live for years, steadily filling out the mid-ground of freshwater planted aquariums.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum) – If one is looking for fast-growing aquarium plants without CO₂, hornwort is a top choice. This floating (or loosely anchored) plant grows extremely quickly, even in tanks with no CO₂ injection and low to moderate light. Hornwort has a feathery, fluffy appearance and can easily reach the water surface, providing shade and cover for fish. Its rapid growth helps absorb excess nutrients, which can prevent algae in low-tech tanks. One can let hornwort float freely or tuck its ends into substrate/decor – either way, it doesn’t have true roots, so it draws nutrients directly from the water column. This plant is practically bulletproof: fish that nibble
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum Barbieri) – Java Moss is a non-CO₂ aquarium plant classic for aquarists of all levels. Technically a moss, it forms delicate, tiny interlocking stems with bright green foliage. Java Moss can grow on almost any surface –it can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or mesh to create carpets, or just let it sit in clumps. It requires very little light and no CO₂ injection to grow; in fact, it can survive in a wide range of water parameters. This resilience makes it ideal for low-tech, low-light tanks. It grows somewhat slowly and densely, providing excellent shelter for baby fish (fry) and shrimp. Occasional trimming will keep it tidy, but otherwise, Java Moss is carefree. It’s nearly impossible to kill, so it’s perfect for beginners experimenting with planted tanks.
Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila Linnaei) – Marimo Moss Balls are not a true vascular plant but rather a form of spherical green algae. Still, they deserve a spot on this list for being extremely easy and CO₂-free. A Marimo ball is literally a soft, velvety ball of moss-algae that sits on the tank bottom or can even float when full of oxygen. They grow very slowly and need almost no light (they actually prefer low, indirect light). No CO₂ or special care is needed – just flip them or gently roll them occasionally so they maintain their round shape and green on all sides. Marimo balls help soak up nitrates and can contribute to cleaner water. They make for a charming aquascape accent, and shrimp or betta fish often like to play with them. For aquarists who want greenery with zero hassle, Marimo Moss Balls are as easy as it gets.
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus Amazonicus) – The Amazon Sword is a board leaves plant that can thrive without CO₂ as long as it has adequate nutrients. It has broad, sword-like leaves that can grow tall, making it a stunning background or centerpiece plant in a planted aquarium. Amazon Swords do best in moderate light (they can handle low-tech lighting, but very dim light will slow them down). They are heavy root feeders, so provide a nutrient-rich substrate or use root fertilizer tabs to keep them well fed. While they can benefit from CO₂, they do not require injected CO₂ to survive – they will simply grow at a moderate pace in a low-tech tank. With good care and regular fertilization an Amazon Sword plant will produce many new leaves and even baby plantlets without any carbon supplementation. As these plants can grow quite large, so they’re best for medium to large aquariums.
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Difformis) – Water Wisteria is an easy aquarium plant (no CO₂ needed) that offers a beautiful splash of bright green in a freshwater planted tank. It has distinctively shaped leaves – young leaves are thin and lacy, while older emersed-grown leaves can be broader; underwater it usually forms delicate, fern-like foliage. Wisteria is fast-growing, even in the absence of CO₂ injection, especially under decent light. You can plant it in the substrate where it will form roots, or let it float – it will grow either way. This plant is great for beginners because it quickly shows growth and helps consume nutrients, thus can reduce algae issues. You can propagate Water Wisteria easily by cutting the stems and replanting the cuttings. Its rapid, bushy growth provides excellent cover for fish and can fill out a background in no time. Just trim it regularly to prevent it from overshadowing other plants.
Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) – Often called “Val” for short, Vallisneria is a classic ribbon-like plant ideal for background greenery. It produces long, tape-like leaves that can reach the water surface and even float along it, creating a lovely flowing effect in the current. Vallisneria is very hardy and adapts well to low-CO₂ aquarium conditions. It can tolerate low to high light, though moderate light is ideal for steady growth. In a non-CO₂ tank, Vallisneria will propagate by sending out runner shoots across the substrate, popping up baby plants along the way. Over time, a few Vallisneria can turn into a full forest in your tank! They require basically no special care – just a typical substrate for rooting and basic nutrients. One thing to note is Vallisneria prefers more alkaline water (it uses carbonates from the water as a carbon source), so it does well in many tap waters. Its fast reproduction and tall, grass-like appearance make it a favourite for creating an “jungle” look in low-tech aquariums.
Dwarf Hygrophila (Hygrophila Polysperma) – Hygrophila Polysperma, known as Dwarf Hygro, is a fast-growing aquarium plant without CO₂ that can quickly fill the planted tank with lush growth. It features opposite pairs of leaves along a stem; under higher light the newer leaves can turn a pinkish-orange hue, but in low-tech setups it will stay green. This plant is incredibly hardy – it tolerates a broad range of water conditions and will still grow steadily in low light and without CO₂ injection. Because it grows so fast, it readily absorbs nitrates and nutrients from the water, helping keep algae at bay. One might find themselves trimming Dwarf Hygro quite often even in a low-tech tank, which is a good problem to have because you can replant the cuttings to get even more plants. It’s an excellent choice for beginners.
Each plant above is beginner-friendly, but remember that success also depends on providing nutrients and proper lighting. Explore our Aquatic Plant Fertilizers like to support your aquatic plants. Check out other blogs for more aquascaping tips and guidance on low-tech planted tanks.
Thriving Without CO₂ – Final Thoughts
A beautiful planted aquarium doesn’t require CO₂ injection if we choose the right plants and care strategy. The 10 no-CO₂ aquarium plants stated above are proven survivors that will complete your freshwater planted aquarium with greenery (and even some color) in a low-tech setup. By leveraging hardy species, maintaining a regular fertilizing routine, and providing sufficient light, you can create a stunning aquatic garden with minimal equipment.
Low-tech aquariums are perfect for those just starting out or anyone who prefers a more relaxed approach to aquascaping. With the help of hardy plants and quality nutrients supplements, even a non-CO₂ planted tank can thrive and remain algae-free. Enjoy your lush underwater world, and happy fishkeeping!
