What water parameters does a Hornwort need?

Hornwort does best at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–20 °dGH.

Where should Hornwort be placed in the aquarium?

Hornwort works best floating at the surface and reaches around 100 cm.

Is the Hornwort suitable for beginners?

Yes — Hornwort is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Species library

Hornwort

Ceratophyllum demersum

Ceratophyllaceae

PlantsDifficulty: ●○○○○Data: well-established

Hornwort — Ceratophyllum demersum — 📷 De Tuin · CC0 · resized · Flickr

About

Hornwort is a rootless, fast-growing stem plant with bushy whorls of needle-like foliage that can be floated or loosely anchored. It is extremely hardy across cold and tropical temperatures, absorbs excess nutrients rapidly, and is one of the best plants for battling algae and providing fry cover. It never develops true roots and may shed needles when adjusting to a new tank.

Care

Float it or weigh a stem down; provide moderate light and trim regularly since it grows very fast. No substrate or CO2 needed.

Diet

A pure water-column feeder that strips nitrate and ammonia quickly, making it excellent for nutrient control and new-tank cycling support.

Also in these lists

Floating plants Plants without CO₂ Low-light aquarium plants Easy aquarium plants

Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does a Hornwort need?: Hornwort does best at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–20 °dGH.
Where should Hornwort be placed in the aquarium?: Hornwort works best floating at the surface and reaches around 100 cm.
Is the Hornwort suitable for beginners?: Yes — Hornwort is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Sources

Water & tank

Temperature15–30°C

Optimal temp.18–26°C

pH6–7.5

Hardness (GH)3–20°d

Carbonate (KH)3–15°d

Water typeFreshwater

FlowLow

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