What water parameters does a Vallisneria need?

Vallisneria does best at 18–28 °C (64.4–82.4 °F), pH 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 5–25 °dGH.

Where should Vallisneria be placed in the aquarium?

Vallisneria works best at the back of the tank and reaches around 80 cm.

Is the Vallisneria suitable for beginners?

Yes — Vallisneria 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

Vallisneria

Vallisneria spiralis

Hydrocharitaceae

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

Vallisneria — Vallisneria spiralis — 📷 source not recorded

About

Vallisneria is a fast-growing rosette plant with long ribbon-like leaves that stream in the current and quickly form a dense background jungle. It spreads aggressively by runners, sending up daughter plants that can carpet the back of a tank within weeks. Tolerant of hard, alkaline water, it is a classic beginner background plant that oxygenates and outcompetes algae.

Care

Plant runners in substrate keeping the crown exposed, provide moderate light, and trim runners to control spread. Prefers harder, alkaline water.

Diet

Feeds from both substrate and water column; a root tab and modest column dosing fuel its rapid runner growth.

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Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does a Vallisneria need?: Vallisneria does best at 18–28 °C (64.4–82.4 °F), pH 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 5–25 °dGH.
Where should Vallisneria be placed in the aquarium?: Vallisneria works best at the back of the tank and reaches around 80 cm.
Is the Vallisneria suitable for beginners?: Yes — Vallisneria 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

Temperature18–28°C

Optimal temp.22–26°C

pH6.5–8.5

Hardness (GH)5–25°d

Carbonate (KH)4–18°d

Water typeFreshwater

FlowModerate

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