Why without CO2?
A CO2 system speeds up plant growth but is not required at the start. Many plants grow steadily with just the CO2 naturally present in water and a standard light. Such a tank is more stable and forgiving.
Each Tropica plant page lists its CO2 and light needs. Look for 'CO2 demand low'.
Plants for stone and wood
Anubias, Java fern and Bucephalandra grow slowly, need little light, and fish do not eat them. They are not planted in the substrate: tie them to stone or wood with fishing line so the rhizome stays free, as it rots when buried. Bogor moss quickly covers stones and wood.
Plants for the substrate
Cryptocorynes are undemanding rosette plants for the foreground and midground; their leaves may melt a little after planting, but the plant regrows. Vallisneria gives the background long ribbon leaves and spreads by runners. The Amazon sword is a large solitary plant that also grows in dimmer tanks. Give rooted plants nutrition capsules near their roots.
Fast plants against algae
Fast-growing stem plants take up a lot of nutrients and leave less for algae. Hygrophila polysperma and Limnophila sessiliflora grow almost anywhere; Egeria and hornwort are especially good in a new tank. Hornwort can simply be left floating.
Fertiliser and light
Plants need nutrients even without CO2. Tropica Premium Nutrition is made for aquariums without CO2; dose as the pack says. Keep the light on for about 8 hours: a longer day does not speed up slow plants but does encourage algae.
