Aquarium With Plants Growing On Top – The Ultimate Guide To Stunning Riparium Plants

Ever felt like your fish tank was missing that extra “wow” factor, or perhaps you’re struggling to keep those nitrate levels under control?

We’ve all been there, staring at a beautiful tank and wondering how to take it to the next level of natural beauty.

An aquarium with plants growing on top is the perfect solution to create a stunning, jungle-like aesthetic while providing incredible biological filtration.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to choose the right plants, secure them safely, and maintain a thriving ecosystem that bridges the gap between water and air.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the confidence to transform your standard tank into a lush, emergent paradise.

Why You Should Consider an Emergent Plant Setup

If you have ever seen a aquarium with plants growing on top, you know how breathtaking they look. But the benefits go far beyond just aesthetics.

The Ultimate Nitrate Sponges

Terrestrial plants growing with their roots in the water have access to atmospheric CO2, which is much more abundant than CO2 dissolved in water.

This allows them to grow much faster than submerged plants, meaning they suck up ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates at an incredible rate.

If you have a high bio-load or messy fish like goldfish or large cichlids, these plants act as a secondary, highly efficient biological filter.

Creating a Natural Canopy

For many fish species, especially those from forest streams, having a canopy of roots and leaves above them provides a sense of security.

The dangling roots create natural hiding spots and spawning sites, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors in your livestock.

Bridging the Gap Between Land and Water

There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a Peace Lily or a Pothos vine cascading down the side of a glass tank.

It turns a simple aquarium into a piece of living furniture that breathes life into the entire room, not just the water column.

Choosing the Best Plants for Your Setup

Not every houseplant can survive with its “feet” constantly wet, but many common species thrive in this environment.

Selecting the right species is the first step toward a successful aquarium with plants growing on top.

The Indestructible Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is the gold standard for ripariums and open-top tanks because it is nearly impossible to kill.

Its roots grow thick and white, providing a massive surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

Simply take a cutting, let the end callow over for a day, and pop it into the water—it will handle the rest.

The Elegant Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

If you want height and beautiful white blooms, the Peace Lily is your best friend.

These plants love high humidity and constant moisture, making them perfect for resting just above the water line.

Make sure to wash all the soil off the roots before placing them in your tank to avoid clouding the water.

The Versatile Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are excellent for smaller setups or hanging over the rim of the tank.

They produce “babies” on long runners that can easily be tucked into the corner of an aquarium.

Their roots are somewhat finer than Pothos, making them great for shrimp tanks where tiny inhabitants love to forage among the root hairs.

Other Great Options:

• Monstera Adansonii: Known for its “Swiss cheese” leaves, it adds a tropical flair.
• Syngonium (Arrowhead Vine): Very hardy and comes in various shades of green and pink.
• Lucky Bamboo: A classic choice that can grow quite tall, though only the roots and stem should be submerged.
• Tradscantia (Inch Plant): Adds a beautiful purple hue to the top of your tank.

How to Set Up an aquarium with plants growing on top

Setting up your system doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; you just need to ensure the plants stay in place.

Method 1: The Rim-Hanging Technique

This is the easiest way to get started and requires almost no specialized equipment.

You can use suction cups with zip ties or dedicated plastic plant holders that clip onto the rim of the glass.

Simply secure the stem of the plant so that the nodes (where the roots grow) are submerged, but the leaves remain in the air.

Method 2: The Egg Crate (Light Diffuser) Method

If you want to cover the entire back of your tank with greenery, a piece of plastic egg crate is the way to go.

Cut the egg crate to the width of your tank and secure it slightly above or at the water level.

You can then weave the stems of your plants through the holes, allowing the roots to grow downward into the water column.

Method 3: Riparium Planters

For a more professional look, you can purchase specialized riparium planters.

These are small baskets that hang on the back of the tank and are filled with an inert media like LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate).

The LECA provides support for the plant’s root system while allowing water to flow freely through the basket.

Lighting and Nutrient Requirements

While these plants are taking nutrients from the water, they still need light to perform photosynthesis effectively.

Ambient vs. Dedicated Lighting

If your tank is in a very bright room, you might get away with using ambient sunlight.

However, for the best growth, you should consider a full-spectrum LED light positioned above the plants.

Remember, your standard aquarium light is designed to penetrate water; you may need an additional light source higher up to reach the emergent leaves.

Fertilization Needs

In a heavily planted aquarium with plants growing on top, your plants might actually be too good at their job.

They can strip the water of nitrates and potassium so quickly that your submerged plants start to suffer.

Keep a close eye on your water parameters; if your nitrates hit zero, you may need to start dosing a liquid fertilizer to keep everyone healthy.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Even a low-maintenance setup requires a little bit of “TLC” to stay looking its best.

Root Management

Over time, the roots of plants like Pothos or Monstera can become massive.

While this is great for filtration, they can eventually take over the swimming space for your fish.

Don’t be afraid to trim the roots with a sharp pair of sterilized scissors; just try not to remove more than 20% of the root mass at one time.

Checking for Pests

Since the leaves are out of the water, they are susceptible to terrestrial pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs.

Check the undersides of the leaves regularly.

If you find pests, wipe them off with a damp cloth or use a fish-safe insecticidal soap, being extremely careful not to let any drip into the tank water.

Prevent Root Rot

The most common mistake beginners make is submerging the crown of the plant.

The crown is the area where the stems meet the roots; if this part is underwater for too long, it will rot.

Ensure only the roots and lower stems are submerged to keep the plant “breathing” properly.

Livestock Considerations

Not every fish is a perfect candidate for an open-top aquarium with plants growing on top.

The “Jumpers” Warning

Many fish, such as Bettas, Killifish, and Hatchetfish, are notorious jumpers.

If you are removing your lid to grow plants out of the top, you must provide a barrier.

Clear netting or a custom-cut lid with holes for the plants is essential to prevent “carpet surfing” accidents.

Benefits for Shrimp and Fry

The dense root systems provided by emergent plants are a paradise for Neocaridina shrimp and fish fry.

The roots trap “aufwuchs” (a mix of algae, bacteria, and microbes) which serves as a constant food source for these tiny creatures.

It also provides a safe haven where they can hide from larger, hungry tank mates.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any houseplant for this?

No, not all plants like having their roots submerged. Stick to species known as “marginal” or “riparian” plants. Avoid succulents or cacti, as they will rot almost immediately.

Do I need a CO2 system for these plants?

No! That is the beauty of an aquarium with plants growing on top. These plants get all the CO2 they need from the air around them, which is much more efficient than using a pressurized system.

Will the roots hurt my fish?

Generally, no. Most fish enjoy swimming through the roots. However, if you have very large, fast-swimming fish, ensure the roots aren’t so dense that the fish get tangled or restricted in their movement.

How do I clean the roots?

You don’t usually need to clean them. If they get covered in algae or detritus, you can gently swish them in a bucket of dechlorinated water during your weekly water change.

Can I use tap water to mist the leaves?

It is better to use distilled or RO (Reverse Osmosis) water for misting to avoid calcium deposits (white spots) forming on the leaves, which can look unsightly over time.

Conclusion

Creating an aquarium with plants growing on top is one of the most rewarding ways to enhance your hobby.

It combines the art of indoor gardening with the science of aquatic ecosystems, resulting in a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful tank.

Whether you start with a simple Pothos cutting or build a complex riparium with Peace Lilies and Monsteras, the benefits to your water quality and your fish’s well-being are undeniable.

Remember to keep the crowns of the plants above the water, monitor your nutrient levels, and choose fish that won’t try to leap out of their new jungle home.

Happy fishkeeping, and enjoy the lush, green view!