How to Buy Anubias for Aquariums

Your Guide to buying the best Anubias

Overview

Anubias is an excellent choice of aquatic plant for any fish tank, offering easy maintenance and a beautiful aesthetic. This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the right Anubias for your aquarium, from understanding the different species to the best practices for planting and growing Anubias. We'll take a look at the types of Anubias available, factors to consider when selecting and buying Anubias, and the basic needs of Anubias to allow it to thrive in your freshwater tank. With the help of this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect Anubias for your aquarium and ensure it will look beautiful and healthy for years to come.

Key features

  • Placement: Anubias are versatile plants that can be placed in a variety of areas in the aquarium, including the substrate, on rocks or wood, or attached to driftwood. The placement of the plant will depend on the requirements of the specific Anubias species.
  • Light: Anubias species require low to moderate light levels, making them suitable for a variety of lighting conditions.
  • Temperature: Anubias species are generally quite tolerant of temperature fluctuations, although they prefer temperatures between 72 and 82ºF.
  • Nutrients: Anubias species do not require additional nutrients, and can thrive with just the natural nutrients in the water.
  • pH: Anubias species prefer a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 to 7.0.
  • CO2: Anubias species do not require additional CO2 supplementation, and can survive with just the natural levels found in the aquarium.
  • Propagation: Anubias species can be easily propagated by dividing the rhizome or by taking stem cuttings.

See the most popular Anubias on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Low Maintenance: Anubias requires very little maintenance, and can live for many years with little to no care.
  • Flexible: Anubias is a very versatile plant and can grow in a variety of different environments, making it a great choice for any aquarium.
  • Durable: Anubias has a strong root system, making it a durable plant that won't be easily damaged or destroyed.
  • Attractive: Anubias is a beautiful plant, with lush foliage and attractive colors that make it an eye-catching addition to any aquarium.
  • Adaptable: Anubias is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of water conditions, making it an ideal choice for any aquarium.

Cons

  • Limited Growth: Anubias does not grow very quickly. It can take several months or even years for the plant to reach its full size.
  • Prickliness: The leaves of Anubias plants can be quite prickly, so it may not be the best option for keeping in areas where children or pets may come into contact with it.
  • Light Requirements: Anubias needs bright light to stay healthy and may require additional lighting if natural lighting is not sufficient.
  • Temperature: This plant prefers warm, tropical temperatures, so it may not do as well in cooler climates.
  • Toxicity: Anubias plants are mildly toxic if ingested by animals or humans, so they should be handled with care.

Best alternatives

  1. Cryptocoryne - An aquatic plant that is usually found in shallow water and is valued for its glossy green leaves and bright flowers.
  2. Riccia fluitans - A floating aquatic plant that is easy to propagate and can form dense mats of vegetation.
  3. Ludwigia repens - A popular aquarium plant that grows rapidly and requires high levels of light and fertilization.
  4. Hygrophila polysperma - A fast-growing plant with long, narrow leaves and a strong root system.
  5. Vallisneria spiralis - A hardy plant with long, ribbon-like leaves that can grow in a variety of lighting conditions.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Substrate - Soil or sand used to create a base for the Anubias to attach to.
  • Lighting - Anubias do best with low to moderate lighting.
  • Fertilizers - Nutrient-rich fertilizers are necessary for Anubias to thrive.
  • Heater - Keeping anubias at the correct temperature is important for its health and growth.
  • CO2 Injection - CO2 is beneficial for Anubias, as it helps promote growth and health.
  • Filter - An efficient filter is necessary to keep the aquarium clean and healthy.
  • Pruning Tools - Pruning tools are necessary to keep Anubias compact and healthy.

Common questions

  1. What is Anubias? Anubias is a genus of slow-growing, hardy aquatic plants native to tropical regions of Africa. They are easy to care for and are often used as a low-maintenance aquarium plant.
  2. What type of environment is Anubias best suited to? Anubias plants are best suited to a tropical aquarium with warm temperatures and high humidity. They require bright lighting and low levels of nutrients in the water.
  3. What types of Anubias are available? There are several varieties of Anubias available, including Anubias barteri, Anubias congensis, Anubias nana, Anubias hastifolia, Anubias afzelii and Anubias gracilis.
  4. How do I care for Anubias? Anubias are relatively easy to care for, as they require minimal maintenance. They should be planted in the substrate, and can be grown as either a floating plant or a rooted plant. They should be given medium to high lighting and should be fertilized lightly to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, they should be kept in a well-filtered tank with a temperature between 75-82 °F.
  5. How big do Anubias plants get? Anubias plants can grow to a height of up to 10 inches, depending on the variety. Some varieties such as Anubias nana and Anubias gracilis are much smaller, with a height of only a few inches.
  6. What kinds of fish can live with Anubias? Anubias plants are compatible with many types of fish, including cichlids, tetras, gouramis, catfish, and bottom-dwelling fish. However, they should not be placed in tanks with aggressive fish, as they can be damaged by aggressive behavior.

Trivia

Anubias plants are known for its low maintenance requirements, making them a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists. Their unique shape and vibrant colors also make them an attractive addition to any aquarium. Interestingly, Anubias plants have the ability to grow without the need for soil, taking their nutrients directly from the water. In fact, it is believed that Anubias is one of the oldest living aquatic plant species, with specimens discovered in fossilized form believed to be as old as 70 million years. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.