Description

Elodea densa is the classic stem plant of first aquariums: extremely fast growth, no demands and available in any shop. Its speed makes it an effective weapon against algae in a newly set up tank, because it consumes nitrate and phosphate at a rate algae cannot match. It tolerates cold water, so it also serves unheated aquariums.

Scientific name
Elodea densa
Position
Rear
Difficulty
Easy
Natural grow
High
Max height
60 cm

🌊 Water parameters

pH
6 - 8
GH
5 - 20
Temperature
15 - 26 °C
Current
Low or moderate

Requirements

Light requirements
Medium
Light spectrum requirements
6000 - 8000 (Kelvin)
Require CO2
no
Soil requirements
Inert or nutritious sustrate

Habitats

Sources

  • GBIF
    GBIF Secretariat (2026). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset. https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei. Consultado vía GBIF.org, 2026-08. Elodea densa.

Taxonomy verified.

Egeria densa Planch. appears as a synonym in GBIF; the profile uses Elodea densa, the accepted name.

The aquarium care values (light, substrate, CO2 and water ranges) have no citable source: GBIF supports the taxonomy and distribution, not the cultivation. A source for plants is still to be agreed.