Why are red plants difficult to grow in low tech aquariums?

Low-tech aquarium setups are a great way to start into the hobby—simple lighting, basic filtration, and minimal fuss. Sounds ideal, right? Not only are these setups accessible, but they are also budget-friendly.

However, there are limitations on what you can grow in these tanks. For example, red plants.

As any aquarist will tell you, red plants have specific requirements that can be challenging to meet in a low-tech environment.

In this blog, I'll share some insights on why red plants are particularly tricky to cultivate in low-tech aquariums.

1: The Role of Light

Light is the lifeblood of aquatic plants. For red plants, it's even more crucial, especially in low-tech setups. In these setups, lighting is often limited. And unlike their green counterparts, red plants, like Alternanthera reineckii  or Ludwigia repens, need more light.

The reason is that they contain pigments that respond to specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the red and blue spectrums. These pigments are called phytochromes. These light-sensitive proteins help plants adapt to different light conditions.

Most low-tech setups use basic LED or fluorescent lights. Often, these lights lack the intensity and spectrum red plants crave.

Upgrading your lighting or placing the aquarium near a natural light source can sometimes help. But remember that more powerful lights can lead to algae issues. You’d need to balance your setup with CO2 and proper nutrients.

2: Nutrient Requirements

Red plants are more nutrient-hungry compared to most green plants, like Dwarf Baby Tears and Amazon Swords. They require a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements like iron and magnesium.

They use these nutrients to produce the pigments that give them their striking hues. In low-tech tanks, these nutrients can quickly become scarce.

Nutrient-rich substrates like aquasoils can help a lot. They slowly release nutrients over time, giving red plants a steady food supply.

Fertilizers are another tool in our arsenal. Liquid fertilizers can help, but be careful—overdosing can lead to algae blooms. I prefer root tabs for targeted feeding. 

3: Water Parameters

Water parameters are factors that can make or break your red plant success. They require stable conditions to thrive, with specific preferences for pH, temperature, and hardness.

In my tanks, I've noticed that red plants prefer slightly acidic water. A pH between 6.0 and 6.8 seems to work best. They also like softer water, which can be challenging in areas with hard tap water.

Temperature is another factor. Most red plants come from tropical regions and prefer warmer water. I recommend aiming for temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C).

But the real challenge in low-tech tanks is keeping these parameters stable. Without CO2 injection and regular water changes, parameters can drift. This stress can cause red plants to lose their vibrant colors or even melt away.

If you find it difficult to maintain stability, opting for hardy plant species that can tolerate a wider range of conditions might be a more practical choice.

Takeaway

Growing red plants in low-tech aquariums presents several challenges, from insufficient lighting and nutrient deficiencies to maintaining stable water parameters. But don't throw in the towel just yet.

Try starting with less demanding red plants. Upgrade your lighting if you can, or place red plants closer to the light source. Use root tabs and a nutrient-rich substrate to give them a fighting chance.

Regular water changes help keep things stable. Remember, it's okay if they're not picture-perfect—even a hint of red can add a pop of color to your tank. Keep experimenting, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can grow.