Care Guide

Family Name: Lythraceae

Ammania Red

Advanced difficulty

Care at a Glance

Lighting

High

Growth Rate

Fast, in good conditions

Growth Form

Stem

Placement

Mid - background

True Aquatic

Yes

Available As

Bunch

Quick-Reference Details

Common name: Family Name: Lythraceae
Scientific name: Ammania Red
Family: Lythraceae
Native to: Africa
Difficulty: Advanced
Requirements: Demanding
Lighting: High
Growth rate: Fast, in good conditions
Growth form: Stem
Placement: Mid - background
True aquatic: Yes
Available as: Bunch

Difficulty — Advanced

Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

CO2 & Fertilization

Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.

Tank Size & Setup

Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.

Aquascaping & Placement

Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.

Common Care Issues

Algae outbreaks

High-light plants without matched CO2 and nutrient dosing reliably trigger algae blooms. If you can't run pressurized CO2, choose a lower-light alternative or accept some algae management.

Outgrowing the tank

Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does Family Name: Lythraceae need?

Family Name: Lythraceae (Ammania Red) prefers high lighting. Plan on a high-output LED fixture combined with pressurized CO2 for the best color and form.

Does Family Name: Lythraceae need CO2?

Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.

Is Family Name: Lythraceae good for beginners?

Family Name: Lythraceae is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.

How fast does Family Name: Lythraceae grow?

Growth rate is fast, in good conditions. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.

What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Lythraceae?

Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.