Swapping out java for rotala

[Jamesbaa]

I started a nano tank a couple of months ago and planted some java fern to use as a background plant. Originally it was gonna be a low tech tank but I've bought a new fluval plant LED light and waiting for CO2 kit to arrive.

I'm thinking about swapping out the java fern for some rotala. What rotala would people reccomend for a nano? Would like to get a red kind but from what I've read people seem to struggle keeping them red.

I'm very new to the hobby so very much learning as I'm going along, I've attached a pic of the tank for reference. It's the java in the back left that I'd like to replace

 

[oscarlloydjohn]

Most rotalas will work in nano tanks, you just have to keep them trimmed. Trimming is a great way to promote dense growth as whenever you trim a stem, two stems grow from the trim site making it very dense. With CO2, rotala can look really great.

Rotala Rotundifolia is a popular option which usually goes red at the tips nearer to the light.

Rotala h'ra is also quite nice, very similar to Rotundifolia in care requirements and such.

Macrandra and wallichii are quite hard so I probably wouldn't try them as a beginner just yet.

 

[Jamesbaa]

That's brilliant, thank you for the quick response.

Will get some ordered

 

[Edvet]

Seen this: https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads...arieties-rotundifolia-hra-and-colorata.55435/