The Arthritic Aquarist

Just to add that these are low to medium light level plants. As I mentioned in my first post, your mileage may vary (I've had little luck with Java Moss as noted, which is considered easy --though I have a bit of it left, so who knows?). I think the Co-op has a section on easy plants (which I think is what they mostly sell). A lot of vendors tend to list them in easy-intermediate-advanced categories.

No, the plants I mentioned do not require CO2. I've kept these species many times throughout the years, in different communities (so different water parameters) and with other different elements (substrates, lighting, etc.). They've always done well. They are widely considered to be easy plants, but it's not an exhaustive list. I also used liquid ferts and root tabs as appropriate.

There are some smaller species of Sword plants I believe, though I haven't had any experience with them. There's also Dwarf Chain Sword (which I've also never tried).

@Zzsharks Super glue gel (Cyanoacrylate) is what I use. As for Java Fern, and other epiphytes, the rhizome needs to be above the substrate, otherwise the plant will not do well. Also, Amazon Swords get quite large. So if you have a smallish tank, it will eventually take over.

Hello from parts further north in Canada! Of course, most of Canada is further north of Windsor! :-)

I cut/trimmed the tips of mine and the plants seems to do fine. I've read that some prefer cutting the leaves from the base of the plant.

Plants like Anubias and Java Fern tend to be easy. They shouldn't be planted in the substrate, but attached to rock or wood. They absorb their nutrients through the water column. Other choices would include Amazon Swords and Vallisneria. Crypts are also pretty easy, though they can experience melting. I've also found Dwarf Sag to be rather easy. Java moss is said to be easy, but I've not tended to have any luck with it.

@bettaballistic Sorry to hear that. They are fascinating little creatures. Water conditions can be a factor.

@bettaballistic It's hard to say. If it is bloating, it can be caused by food, ingestion of gravel, etc. ADFs are also subject to such conditions as dropsy. I have some experience with them, but perhaps someone in the forum has more. What do you feed it by the way?

My understanding is that this can be quite normal behaviour. They can just float a the top for periods of time with the arms and legs stretched out. They are just relaxing/being lazy. There could be other reasons, however, such as bloating --which can be food related or, sadly, disease-related. Does it look okay physically? Things to look for are the eyes (should be clear and not puffy), reddish-pink patches on skin, white fuzzy patches, etc. Is it eating normally? Has it experienced weight loss?

Currently have Bronze Corydoras, both the regular and albino versions. Generally, they are always quite active. They get fed a varied diet but tend to get frisky the morning following a water change and having been fed frozen bloodworms the previous evening. Raising some little ones at the moment.

@CJs Aquatics @Chick-In-Of-TheSea Yes, you have to ensure that they are thoroughly dry before storing. I keep mine in a small plastic container. I keep it for a long period, no foul odours.

@Chick-In-Of-TheSea I've been using the egg shell approach for some time. Seems to work. Started doing this for my snails and, more recently the shrimp. I boil the egg shells for a few minutes, then cool them down with cold water and remove the membrane. I then crush them into a fine powder with a rolling pin and cutting board once they're dry. I store the powder in a small container. It goes a long way.

@Theplatymaster I have Fire Reds with Albino and Bronze Corydoras and have no issues. I've never kept them with platies however. I would think the adult shrimp would be okay, might not be the same for shrimplets however.

@Theplatymaster I bought some Val in late May. It took a good 4 to 5 months before it really started to do anything. Recommend root tabs, at least early on. Medium to Medium-Low lighting seems to work best in my tank (may vary depending on your lighting source). Mine is now growing tall --would only grow to about 3 or 4 inches for the first few months. It's also be reproducing quite a bit. Started with three plants and now have many times that. So patience and perseverence seem to be key.

@Cory @TOtrees I'm in Ontario as well, so also hoping it will be available in these parts. On the bright side, my current bottle of Easy Green just keeps on giving. 🙂

Those are really beautiful fish! I'm fascinated by native species.

@JettsPapa That actually reminded me that one of my Nerites, when I initially introduced it to the tank, did partially bury itself in the substrate for a short while. @OceanTruthMine have be dazzled my drift wood. I don't mind as I really like them and they're excellent algae eaters.

Of the ones you mention, I've only had Nerites (the Zebra and Red Racer varieties) which I've kept for the past 12 years or so. I've personally never seen them burrowing.

@kevincanadaYou're right, the Easy Green products haven't been available from Amazon Canada for the better part of a year or so. I bought my current bottle of Easy Green liquid fert from Amazon in the fall of 2021. They stopped carrying it at some point after that, as well as the plant tabs. Has the Co-op recently ended its shipping to Canada, as I no longer get the pop-up when I go to the site? If so, I don't know of anyone carrying it up here. 😞

I haven't kept Rosies in years...and not since I've been doing planted tanks. Some aquarists report that they will nibble on some plants at the very least. Others say they're fine with plants. You may just have to try it out. Other than the species mentioned by @Boulder_Betta, you might also try Java Fern.

I had a Betta that did the same. They're like water puppies. A bit like cats too, in that they're very curious/inquisitive.

Yes, been following Leon's progress for some time. Great story.

Just to add that I have a pre-filter sponge on my HOB intake and, like @TeeJay mentioned, they like to graze... ditto for lava rock.

Have also recently set up a 10 gallon with Fire Reds. First time with Neocaridinas, so also interested in this discussion. I've had them for about 2 months now and have read that they are easy to breed. I have at least two males with the remainder being females. Any tips on getting these critters to reproduce? @CJs Aquatics I'd obviously vote for the reds. I have mine with an HOB and the tank is pretty heavily planted, though a work in progress. Plants include Java Fern, Crypts, Italian Val and Dwarf Sag. Tried Java Moss, but just seems to die back in my tank, though still a bit left. Also have some Cardamine floating, which is doing quite well. Have to say that I'm really enjoying the shrimp.