Banish Algae the Natural Way: Discover the Top 7 Fastest Growing Aquarium Plants

Introduction: Turning the Tide on Pesky Aquarium Algae

Ah, the bane of many an aquarium enthusiast’s existence! Every keeper of these captivating underwater worlds knows the feeling of peering into their tank only to be met with a less-than-crystal-clear view. Whether it’s a stubborn green haze clouding the water or unsightly fuzzy patches clinging to your carefully chosen décor, algae, though a natural component of any aquatic ecosystem, can quickly transform a serene aquascape into a source of frustration and even disrupt the delicate balance within.

But what if I told you there’s a truly beautiful and remarkably effective way to wage war against this persistent nuisance, all without resorting to harsh chemicals that can sometimes do more harm than good? The answer, my friends, lies in harnessing the natural power of fast growing aquarium plants.

Think of it like this: just as a thriving patch of groundcover in your garden can suppress weeds by denying them sunlight and nutrients, fast growing aquarium plants work in much the same way underwater. These verdant dynamos are exceptionally efficient at absorbing the very resources that algae need to flourish – primarily light and those pesky excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphates. By rapidly taking up these elements, fast growing aquarium plants effectively starve out the algae, leading to a cleaner, clearer, and more visually appealing aquarium.

Furthermore, the benefits extend beyond just algae control. These thriving aquatic greens play a vital role in enhancing the overall health and vibrancy of your tank. They contribute to improved water quality by actively absorbing harmful compounds like ammonia and nitrite, helping to maintain a stable and balanced environment for your cherished fish. Some, like Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort), even release a welcome boost of oxygen into the water.

So, if you’re seeking a natural, aesthetically pleasing, and genuinely effective strategy to combat algae and cultivate a thriving underwater garden, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m delighted to share my top 7 choices for fast growing aquarium plants that not only demonstrate remarkable prowess in algae control but are also generally easy to care for, making them wonderful additions for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike. Get ready to discover how to turn the tide on pesky algae and cultivate a lush, green haven with the remarkable power of fast growing aquarium plants!

Alright, let’s delve into the wonderful world of aquatic greenery and uncover some of the best contenders in the battle against algae! As a gardener, I’ve always believed in the power of the right plants for the right job, and the aquarium is no different. Here are my top 7 picks for fast growing aquarium plants that will not only enhance the beauty of your underwater haven but also actively work to keep those pesky algae at bay.

The Top 7 Fast Growing Aquarium Plants for Algae Control & Growth

Just like in our terrestrial gardens, a thriving plant community in your aquarium can significantly impact the overall health and balance of the ecosystem. When it comes to controlling algae naturally, fast growing aquarium plants are your best allies. They are voracious consumers of the nutrients that algae thrive on, effectively outcompeting them for resources like light and dissolved substances. Let’s explore some of my favorite fast-growing aquatic plants that can help you achieve a clearer and more vibrant aquarium.

Here are my top selections for fast growing aquarium plants that excel at algae control and promote healthy growth:

• 1. Elodea Densa (Anacharis/Brazilian Waterweed): Often hailed as a fantastic beginner plant, Elodea Densa is a true workhorse when it comes to absorbing excess nutrients from the water column. Its rapid growth effectively starves out algae, making it an excellent choice for new tanks that are more susceptible to algae blooms. It’s also incredibly hardy and adaptable to various water conditions and light levels. You can plant it in the substrate or even let it float. Gilles from PlantedBox considers it a beginner plant with great survival skills, growing so fast it might sometimes need significant pruning. It’s even suitable for goldfish tanks. This makes it a versatile fast growing aquarium plant for many setups.
  
• 2. Ceratophyllum Demersum (Hornwort): Another incredibly adaptable and fast growing aquarium plant, Hornwort is known for its finely needled leaves and its ability to thrive in a wide range of water temperatures. It’s a fantastic oxygen producer and can effectively filter out undesirable nutrients. If you’re facing an algae issue, Gilles suggests using Hornwort as a floating plant to dim the light. It doesn’t develop roots, absorbing nutrients directly through its stems and leaves. However, its rapid growth means regular pruning is essential to prevent it from overcrowding your tank and blocking light for other plants and fish. This fast growing aquarium plant is a popular choice for its ease of care and effectiveness.
  
• 3. Hygrophila Polysperma: This is a personal favorite, as Gilles from PlantedBox mentions, because it has few requirements yet looks lovely in various aquarium styles. It’s a fast growing aquarium plant that adapts well and can even grow out of the water, adding an interesting dimension to your tank. While the sources don’t specifically detail its algae-fighting capabilities, its rapid growth implies it’s efficient at nutrient uptake, contributing to algae control.
  
• 4. Vallisneria: Available in various forms like curly, straight, and different sizes, Vallisneria is an easy-to-maintain background plant that copes well with different water conditions. Its taller growth habit makes it a great background fast growing aquarium plant and its rapid growth helps it compete for nutrients. Dustin from DustinsFishtanks notes that Jungle Val (Vallisneria americana) grows runners faster than almost any other plant and is a hardy option. Vallisneria gigantea ‘Rubra’ is specifically mentioned for its rapid and towering growth and high nutrient demands, making it effective against algae. However, one forum user, propel, noted the potential for it to become a “giant box of leaves” and the need for regular trimming.
  
• 5. Limnophila Sessiliflora (Ambulia): While not in the initial list of five from PlantedBox, Joseph Micallef mentioned in the comments that Limnophila Sessiliflora is an easy-to-grow fast growing aquarium plant ideal for the back of the aquarium. It’s also mentioned in a forum as being amazing for fast growth, ease, and low light. The YouTube channel Aquarium Store Depot highlights “Giant Ambulia” as a plant that thrives with CO2 inputs and can deter algae growth, being relatively easy to care for.
  
• 6. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Difformis): This is highlighted by both Gilles and the Aquarium Store Depot as a very popular fast growing aquarium plant due to its rapid growth rate and beginner-friendly care. It’s remarkably adaptable and requires minimal maintenance. Its fast growth helps it multiply quickly and starve out algae. Regular pruning can maintain a compact appearance.
  
• 7. Pearl Weed (Hemianthus Micranthemoides): This is another excellent fast growing aquarium plant, favored for its adaptability and helpful carpeting nature. It grows in dense bunches and is effective against algae due to its rapid consumption of excess nutrients. With bright light and CO2, it tends to grow sideways forming a carpet. It’s also noted for absorbing toxic ammonia and nitrate.
  

Remember, even the most efficient fast growing aquarium plants require some basic care, such as adequate lighting, and while many are fine with minimal or no fertilization, providing the necessary nutrients can certainly boost their growth and effectiveness. Regular pruning is also crucial to manage their rapid growth and ensure they don’t overshadow other plants or your fish.

By incorporating a few of these remarkable fast growing aquarium plants into your tank, you’ll be taking a significant step towards a balanced, beautiful, and algae-resistant underwater world. 

Beyond the Top 7: Other Notable Fast Growers

While my top 7 fast growing aquarium plants are excellent choices for tackling algae and enhancing your aquascape, the world of aquatic botany offers even more rapid growers that deserve a mention. These botanical wonders also excel at quickly absorbing excess nutrients, thus aiding in the ongoing battle against unwanted algae in your aquarium. Think of them as valuable additions to your green arsenal, each with its own unique charm and benefits for maintaining a balanced aquatic environment.

Let’s explore a few more remarkable fast growing aquarium plants that can contribute to a healthy and vibrant tank:

• Duckweed (Various species): Now, some might consider this tiny floater a bit of a double-edged sword, but there’s no denying its impressive growth rate. As one of the smallest flowering plants, duckweed multiplies incredibly quickly by division. This rapid expansion allows it to efficiently absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water surface, effectively competing with surface algae. It can also diffuse light, further hindering algae growth below. Just be mindful, as its prolific nature means you’ll need to regularly skim some off the surface to prevent it from completely blocking light for your submerged plants. Some fish, like goldfish, also enjoy it as a snack. So, if managed properly, duckweed is certainly a fast growing aquarium plant with notable algae-controlling capabilities.
  
• Red Ludwigia (Ludwigia repens): For those seeking a splash of color alongside rapid growth, Red Ludwigia is a fantastic option. This stem plant is known for its adaptability and relatively simple cultivation. While it can thrive fully submerged, it can also grow emersed. Under higher lighting conditions, its leaves develop a beautiful reddish hue, adding visual interest to your tank. Like other fast growing aquarium plants, Ludwigia repens readily takes up nutrients from the water column, contributing to a cleaner environment and hindering algae proliferation. It’s also easy to propagate through stem cuttings, allowing you to quickly increase its presence in your aquarium.
  
• Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes): This floating plant, with its rosette of soft, velvety leaves and dangling roots, is another vigorous grower. Water lettuce is highly effective at absorbing excess nutrients, making it a valuable ally in the fight against algae, particularly green water. Its extensive root system also provides shelter for small fish and fry. Similar to other floating fast growing aquarium plants, it helps to shade the aquarium, which can further inhibit algae growth. Regular thinning is necessary to prevent it from overshadowing other plants.
  
• Salvinia (Various species like Salvinia natans and Salvinia minima): These are fast-spreading floating ferns with unique leaf structures. They form dense mats on the water’s surface, effectively blocking out light and directly competing with surface algae for resources. Salvinia species are known for their rapid growth, especially in nutrient-rich water. While they don’t have long trailing roots like some other floaters, their dense coverage provides excellent shelter for small fish and helps maintain a more stable environment by reducing light penetration. These are certainly fast growing aquarium plants to consider for natural algae control.
  
• Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis): As its name suggests, Guppy Grass is a favorite among breeders due to its fine, dense foliage that provides excellent cover for fry. It’s also a notably fast growing aquarium plant that doesn’t demand special conditions. It can be floated or planted in the substrate and readily absorbs nutrients, aiding in algae prevention. Its ease of care and rapid growth make it a practical choice for many aquarium setups.
  

These are just a few more examples of the many fast growing aquarium plants you can incorporate into your tank to naturally combat algae and promote a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Remember, consistent maintenance, including regular pruning of these vigorous growers, is key to keeping them in check and maximizing their beneficial effects. Each of these plants offers unique aesthetic qualities and contributes to a healthier, clearer aquarium, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing algae and more time enjoying the beauty of your underwater world.

Alright, let’s put on our gardening gloves and dive into the secrets of keeping your underwater gardens flourishing while waving goodbye to those unwelcome algae! Just like tending to a vibrant flower bed, achieving a balanced aquarium with thriving fast growing aquarium plants and minimal algae requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some of my expert tips, gleaned from years of nurturing both terrestrial and aquatic greenery.

Maximizing Algae Control and Plant Growth: Expert Tips

As a gardener, I’ve learned that a healthy ecosystem relies on balance, and your aquarium is no different. When you cultivate fast growing aquarium plants, you’re essentially introducing tiny workhorses that diligently compete with algae for the resources they both need. To truly maximize this natural form of algae control and encourage robust plant growth, let’s explore some key strategies.

• Embrace Plant Density: Just as you might densely plant ground cover to suppress weeds in your garden, a good quantity of fast growing aquarium plants is your first line of defense against algae. The more plants you have, the more effectively they will outcompete algae for essential nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, and even for light. This is particularly crucial in new aquariums where the biological balance is still establishing. Starting with a significant amount of these fast-growing aquatic plants can help you get ahead in the algae battle right from the start.
  
• Master Nutrient Management: While fast growing aquarium plants are excellent at absorbing nutrients, it’s vital to ensure they have what they need to thrive without leaving an excess for algae. Consider providing complete aquarium fertilization with nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements. However, be mindful not to over-fertilize, as this can inadvertently fuel algae growth. Observing your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as browning or yellowing leaves, will guide your fertilization regime.
  
• Optimize Lighting: Light is essential for the growth of all photosynthetic organisms, both your cherished fast growing aquarium plants and the frustrating algae. Providing sufficient light that is appropriate for the specific needs of your chosen plants is key. However, excessive light, especially when coupled with imbalanced nutrients, can trigger algae blooms. You might find that adjusting your light duration and intensity can significantly impact algae growth while still supporting healthy plant development. Some suggest that in cases of algae issues, even using fast-growing plants as temporary floating cover to dim the light can be helpful.
  
• Ensure Good Water Circulation and CO2 (If Necessary): Just as a gentle breeze helps terrestrial plants with gas exchange, good water circulation in your aquarium is vital for distributing nutrients and CO2 (if you’re using a system) to your fast growing aquarium plants. For many rapidly growing species, especially those under higher light conditions, supplementing with sufficient CO2 or a liquid carbon source can dramatically enhance their growth rate and thus their algae-controlling capabilities.
  
• The Importance of Regular Pruning: These fast growing aquarium plants live up to their name, and regular pruning is non-negotiable. Not only does pruning help maintain the desired aesthetic of your aquascape, but it also encourages bushier growth and prevents overcrowding, ensuring all your plants receive adequate light and nutrients. Removing older or decaying leaves promptly is also crucial, as decomposing plant matter can release nutrients that algae can readily utilize.
  
• Consider Floating Friends: Don’t underestimate the power of floating fast growing aquarium plants like Duckweed and Salvinia. These plants sit directly at the water’s surface, where they can efficiently absorb surface-level nutrients and even block out light penetration below, further hindering algae growth. While some might find their rapid multiplication a bit overwhelming, with regular thinning, they can be valuable allies in your algae control efforts.
  
• Maintain Water Quality: Even with a thriving community of fast growing aquarium plants, maintaining good overall water quality is essential. Regular water changes help to replenish essential minerals and remove accumulated waste products that can contribute to algae growth. Regularly testing your water parameters will also provide valuable insights into the balance of your aquarium and allow you to make necessary adjustments.
  

By implementing these expert tips, you can harness the natural power of fast growing aquarium plants to create a balanced and beautiful underwater world with minimal algae. Remember, just like any garden, your aquarium requires observation, patience, and a little bit of green thumb wisdom.

Addressing Potential Challenges with Fast Growing Plants

As any seasoned gardener knows, even the most vigorous growers can present their own set of considerations. While I wholeheartedly advocate for the inclusion of fast growing aquarium plants in your underwater oasis for their remarkable ability to combat algae and create a thriving environment, it’s wise to be aware of potential challenges. Think of it as managing a particularly enthusiastic patch of mint in your herb garden – it’s wonderful, but you need to keep an eye on it! Let’s delve into some common concerns associated with these rapid growers and, more importantly, how to address them, ensuring your tank remains a balanced and beautiful ecosystem featuring healthy fast growing aquarium plants.

• The Need for Regular Pruning: The very nature of fast growing aquarium plants means they can, well, grow fast. This is generally a benefit when it comes to outcompeting algae and absorbing excess nutrients, but it does necessitate regular pruning. Don’t see this as a chore, but rather an opportunity to shape your aquascape and propagate new plants! Regular trimming prevents overcrowding, ensuring all your aquatic inhabitants have ample swimming space and that light reaches all your plants. Moreover, removing older growth encourages bushier development in many species.
  
• Potential for Light Blocking: Some fast growing aquarium plants, particularly floating varieties like Duckweed, Salvinia Natans, and Water Lettuce, can rapidly spread across the water’s surface. While this surface coverage can help diffuse light and thus inhibit algae growth below, it can also block too much light from reaching submerged aquarium plants, potentially hindering their growth. The key here is diligent monitoring and regular removal of excess floaters. Think of it like thinning seedlings in your garden to ensure each plant gets enough sunshine.
  
• Nutrient Balance Considerations: While fast growing aquarium plants are champions at utilizing nutrients, their rapid uptake can sometimes lead to fluctuations in nutrient levels. It’s essential to provide a complete aquarium fertilization to support their growth, including nitrates, phosphates, potassium, and trace elements. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can still contribute to algae issues. Observing your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies and adjusting your fertilization accordingly is crucial. Regular water changes also play a vital role in maintaining a stable and healthy aquatic environment.
  
• Managing Messiness: Certain fast growing aquarium plants, like Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), are known for shedding needles. While this plant is incredibly effective at absorbing nutrients, the falling needles can create a bit of detritus in your tank. Regular maintenance, including vacuuming the substrate, will help manage this. Consider it akin to raking leaves in your yard – a necessary part of keeping things tidy.
  
• Invasive Potential (Handle with Care): Because some fast growing aquarium plants are incredibly adaptable and reproduce readily, it’s crucial to dispose of any excess plant matter responsibly. Never release aquarium plants into local waterways, as they can potentially become invasive and disrupt native ecosystems. Instead, consider composting them or offering them to fellow aquarium enthusiasts.
  
• Choosing the Right Plants for Your Tank Size: While the desire for rapid growth is understandable, ensure the fast growing aquarium plants you choose are suitable for the size of your aquarium. Some species, like Vallisneria gigantea, can reach significant lengths and may quickly outgrow smaller tanks. Researching the mature size of your chosen plants will help you make informed decisions and avoid future overcrowding.
  

By being mindful of these potential challenges and implementing proactive maintenance practices, you can fully enjoy the numerous benefits that fast growing aquarium plants bring to your aquarium. They are truly valuable allies in creating a balanced, healthy, and visually appealing underwater world. Just like any thriving garden, a little attention goes a long way in keeping everything flourishing.

Alright, let’s wrap up our exploration of these wonderful additions to your underwater world! As a gardener with years of experience witnessing the power of vigorous growth, I can confidently say that embracing fast growing aquarium plants in your tank is a decision you won’t regret.

Conclusion: Embrace the Green Power of Fast Growing Aquarium Plants

We’ve journeyed through the numerous benefits and considerations of incorporating fast growing aquarium plants into your aquatic setup. From their remarkable ability to naturally control algae by competing for nutrients and light, to their role in enhancing water quality by consuming ammonia and nitrites, these plants are truly powerhouses in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Just as a thriving ground cover can suppress weeds in a terrestrial garden, a healthy population of fast-growing aquatic plants can significantly reduce the nuisance of algae in your aquarium.

Think back to the core principles of gardening: a healthy environment fosters healthy growth. In your aquarium, fast growing aquarium plants contribute significantly to this healthy environment. They not only help keep algae at bay, but they also provide vital oxygen for your aquatic inhabitants. Furthermore, the dense foliage of many fast-growing aquarium plants offers essential hiding places and breeding grounds for your fish and invertebrates, promoting a sense of security and well-being.

Remember, while their rapid growth requires regular pruning, this can be a rewarding part of aquarium maintenance, allowing you to shape your aquascape and even propagate new plants. Species like Vallisneria, Hygrophila polysperma, Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort), and Ludwigia repens are just a few examples of fast growing aquarium plants that can quickly transform your tank into a lush, vibrant habitat. Even floating plants like Duckweed and Amazon Frogbit can play a crucial role in nutrient uptake and light diffusion.

So, whether you’re a beginner looking to establish a balanced tank quickly or an experienced aquarist seeking to enhance your planted setup, I encourage you to embrace the green power of fast growing aquarium plants. Observe how they flourish, watch how they interact with your fish, and enjoy the dynamic beauty they bring to your home. With a little attention to their needs and regular maintenance, these botanical wonders will help you create a thriving and algae-free aquatic paradise. Happy planting!