Anacharis and Hornwort are both common aquatic plants. They are often used in aquariums and ponds to provide cover for fish and oxygenate the water. Both plants are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but there are some differences that you should be aware of before choosing which one to add to your tank.
This article Aquarium Blog will compare and contrast the two plants, revealing which one should be the better choice for your aquarium.
Compare Hornwort Vs. Anacharis
1. Size and Appearance
Anacharis and Hornwort are both popular aquatic plants used in aquariums and ponds, but they are not the same. Anacharis can grow to be quite large, while Hornwort is relatively small.
Anacharis can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread quickly. It has long, thin leaves that are green or reddish. The plant’s roots are white and often extend several inches into the water column.
Hornwort grows to a maximum height of about 1 foot. It has short, thick leaves that are usually dark green. Furthermore, this plant’s roots are thinner than those of Anacharis and do not extend as far into the water column.
2. Growth Rate
Anacharis has a fast growth rate, while Hornwort grows relatively slowly.
Anacharis can grow up to 2 inches per week. It is a very aggressive plant and can quickly cover the aquarium if left unchecked.
Hornwort, on the other hand, grows at a rate of about 1 inch per week. It is not as aggressive as Anacharis and is unlikely to take over your tank.
3. Anacharis vs Hornwort: Care
Both plants are easy to care for, but Anacharis is more forgiving than Hornwort.
Anacharis is a very tolerant plant and can live in a wide range of conditions. It does best in moderate light and should be fertilized every two weeks. Anacharis can survive being buried in the substrate or floating freely in the water column.
Hornwort is less tolerant than Anacharis and requires more care to thrive. It prefers bright light and should be fertilized every week. Hornwort must be anchored in the substrate, or it will float to the surface of the water.
4. Anacharis vs Hornwort: Light requirements
Anacharis can tolerate a wide range of light levels, while Hornwort requires bright light to thrive.
Anacharis can live in low or high light conditions. It does best in moderate light but can tolerate being in low or bright light for short periods of time.
Hornwort requires bright light to grow well. It will not survive in low light conditions and should only be kept in high light for short periods.
5. Anacharis vs Hornwort: Temperature requirements
Both plants can live in a wide range of temperatures, but Anacharis is more tolerant than Hornwort.
Anacharis can live in water that is as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, Hornwort can live in water as cold as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Different pH level requirement
Both plants can live in different levels of pH in water. However, Anacharis is known to be more tolerant than Hornwort.
Anacharis can live in water with a pH level of 6.0 to 8.0.
Hornwort can live in water with a pH level of 7.0 to 8.0.
7. Nutrient requirements
They are both simple to care for; still, Anacharis requires more nutrients than Hornwort.
Anacharis requires high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus to grow well. It should be fertilized every two weeks with a nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Hornwort only needs moderate levels of nitrogen and phosphorus to grow. We should fertilize this plant every week with a standard aquarium fertilizer.
Anacharis vs Hornwort: Which Plant is Better for your Aquarium?
Generally, both these plants are excellent choices for beginners because they are easy to care for and can thrive in various water conditions.
Furthermore, both of them are oxygenating plants, providing sufficient oxygen for fish to survive in hot summer. They have their differences, which are mentioned above. However, their benefits are similar, so selecting one or both is a matter of preference.
Conclusion
After comparing Anacharis vs Hornwort, we can discern the differences in size, growth rate, care requirements, and nutrition. Regardless of which plant you choose, ensure proper care so it can thrive in your aquarium. Furthermore, you shouldn’t overlook these plants as they tend to overgrow under ideal conditions.
Make sure you pick and introduce these plants to your aquarium soon because they are a good source of oxygen for fish.
