JHudson wrote in message
news:ZNyVb.12260$Qa3.2856@edtnps89...
I'm just wondering because I want to put a few plants in a tank without
mucking with substrate(it just has plain gravel) As of right now I put a
couple Java Ferns in. I'm trying to get rid of my plastic/silk plants,
even
though the one tank they will have to stay because of the habits of the
one
resident(crayfish).

I've been growing aquarium plants for over thirty years, almost entirely in
plain or coated gravel. The only common plants you might have trouble with
(just because of a gravel substrate) are the cryptocorynes.

The more critical limiting factor you'll encounter in making the move to
live plants will be lighting. Be sure to visit the Krib...
http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/


"Dunter Powries" fech.redcap@spedlin wrote in message
...
JHudson wrote in message
news:xrWUb.320$964.284@edtnps84...
Hi,
Just wondering what plants don't need a rich substrate, but take
everything
from the water.

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum submersum) and riccia grass (Riccia flutans) -
if
you're looking for floating plants to suck up macro-nutrients (?) under
moderate lighting, either would be terrific. Water sprite (Ceratopterus
thalictroides), although usually rooted, also makes a fine floating
plant.

Most true aquatic 'stem' plants, although they will develope complete
root
systems, take nutrients readily from the water column. There are
hundreds
available commercially.