Want beautiful aquarium plants without CO₂ or complicated setups? These Top 5 beginner-friendly plants thrive in small and nano tanks with minimal light and care—ideal for shrimp tanks, low-tech aquascapes, or your first planted setup.
1. Anubias Nana 🌿
Compact, hardy, and nearly impossible to kill.
Grows well attached to driftwood or rocks—no substrate needed.
Tolerates low light and no CO₂; very slow grower—easy to maintain.
Shrimp-safe, and fish rarely bother the thick, leathery leaves.
Pro tip: Leave its rhizome exposed (not buried), and tie it to décor with a rubber band or glue.
2. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Elegant and resilient—perfect for bare-bottom or low-light tanks.
Attaches easily to wood or rocks.
Survives in dim light and varied water conditions without CO₂.
Propagates via plantlets; tough leaves resist algae and fish nibbling.
Placement: Attach to driftwood or rock—never bury the rhizome.
3. Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Subtle beauty with tolerant roots.
Thrives in low to moderate light and typical aquarium temps.
Comes in many forms (green, red) adding midground texture.
Slow to grow; may “melt” initially but recovers with stable conditions.
4. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
The ultimate no-CO₂ carpeting plant.
Clings to wood, rocks, or substrate; grows into mats.
Ideal for shrimp tanks—provides hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
Requires only low to moderate light; trims easily.
5. Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei)
Novelty décor that cleans water too.
Grows slowly into round “green balls”; no substrate required.
Helps absorb nitrates and reduces algae.
Safe for shrimp and fish; almost indestructible.
Comparison Table
| Plant | CO₂ Req. | Light Level | Placement | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anubias Nana | No | Low | Rock/wood | Very Slow |
| Java Fern | No | Low–Moderate | Rock/wood | Slow |
| Cryptocoryne Wendtii | No | Low–Moderate | Substrate | Slow |
| Java Moss | No | Low–Moderate | Surface or décor | Moderate |
| Marimo Moss Ball | No | Low | Floating or bottom | Very Slow |
Watch the Video
▶️ Top 5 Easy Aquarium Plants – No CO₂, Perfect for Nano Tanks
Timestamps
00:00 – No CO₂? No Problem!
00:27 – Anubias Nana
00:46 – Java Fern
01:08 – Cryptocoryne Wendtii
01:33 – Java Moss
01:57 – Marimo Moss Balls
02:19 – Recap
02:44 – Final Thoughts
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More Low-Maintenance Aquarium Plant Guides
Want more easy greenery? Explore our 5 Aquarium Plants That Thrive Without CO₂ for beginner-friendly options. Avoid common pitfalls by reading Top 5 Aquarium Myths That Still Fool Beginners. For a natural setup without tech, check out No-Tech Aquarium FAQ. And if you want a stunning scape, our Aquascaping Guide has you covered.
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