Does Water Sprite need CO2?

No. Water Sprite grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.

What light does Water Sprite need?

Water Sprite is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.

Is Water Sprite safe for shrimp?

Yes. Water Sprite is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easymedium lightNo CO2 neededfast growthfern

Water Sprite

Q: Is Water Sprite beginner-friendly?

Water Sprite is rated easy for difficulty. Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.

Ceratopteris thalictroides

Also: Indian Fern, Water Fern

Water Sprite is a versatile, fast-growing fern that can be planted in substrate or floated on the surface. When floating, it shades the tank and provides excellent cover for surface-dwelling fish and fry. Effective at nutrient uptake and algae competition.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightmedium

CO2Not needed

FertiliserNot essential

Growth ratefast

Max height30cm

Placementany

Min tank20L

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C

pH6–7.5

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risklow

Propagationplantlets, stem cuttings

Beginner guidance

Works planted or floating. Floating growth is faster; planted stems stay upright in fine substrate. Produces numerous plantlets, trim or remove excess to prevent it blocking all surface light.

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