Jungle Val or Sagittaria for Nano Tanks?

Valisneria and Sagittaria subulata are both popular aquatic plants that are well-suited to a wide range of aquarium environments.

Both are hardy, easy- going, and known to be quick growing.

Like... REALLY quick growing. It could actually be a problem for many aquarists.

While very similar in appearance, there are specific differences between these two plants that may make one more suitable for a small tank than the other.

Let's talk Jungle Val:

Jungle Vallisneria is a durable aquatic plant, equipped to thrive in any aquarium setup. Its lush green leaves stretch along the top of the tank, making it a great backdrop for any aquarium.

It requires low maintenance and will propagate readily - making it an ideal choice for both beginner aquarists.

Able to tolerate brackish water, it's a versatile addition to any aquascape.

While it typically needs substrate to root and spread into, I have seen people attach it to driftwood, rocks, or other aquarium decorations using fishing line, thread or superglue.

Jungle Vallisneria is a tapegrass plant, renowned for its ability to grow to several feet in height. Its thick leaves provide a refuge for shy fish and fry, helping them to confidently explore their tank.

This fast-growing plant is strong and firmly rooted, making it resistant to disturbance from bottom-dwellers. 

Jungle Vallisneria does not require CO2 supplementation or overly high lighting. It prefers slow-moving, hard water that is rich in calcium, but it is highly adaptable to most water parameters.

It will grow fastest under high lighting, but it can adapt to moderate/ low lighting as well.

It is very flexible and will even grow in sand, but of course, will grow faster in nutrient-rich substrate. Use root tabs to speed it up!

What we know about True Sag:

Sagittaria subulata  is the perfect mid-ground or background plant for aquariums of any size.

Narrowleaf or True Sagittaria is a low-maintenance aquarium plant, able to grow in multiple pH and temperature ranges. Without additional CO2 or intense lighting, it can still thrive.

Moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich water can cause it to develop a reddish tone.

Unfortunately, fish such as crayfish, cichlids, and goldfish may damage the thin leaves of this plant.

It can also be grown immersed or submersed, plus, like Jungle Val,  it can tolerate brackish water and propagate through runners.

Note that Dwarf sag, True sag, and Narrow leaf sag are all cultivars of one species: Sagittaria Subulata! 

You can see a vast difference in growing habit depending on which cultivar you purchase.

In terms of suitability for small tanks, Sagittaria subulata may be more suitable than Valisneria.

This is because Sagittaria subulata is a shorter, slower-growing plant that does not require as much space as Valisneria.

Additionally, Sagittaria subulata is not as demanding in terms of lighting and fertilization, making it easier to care for in a small tank.

Both Valisneria and Sagittaria subulata are good choices for beginner aquariums, but Sagittaria subulata may be more suitable for small tanks due to its smaller size and easier care requirements.

Happy Plantin'!

Cassandra & Crew 🌱🌿🍃