Temple Compacta

Temple compacta (Hygrophila Corymbosa) is a plant that can be a great option for your home aquarium. It is very fast growing so it a great option if you want to quickly add plants to your tank. Over time you will likely have to trim it back. It’s appearance can vary depending on the nutrient contents of your tank.

Origins of the Temple Compacta

The Temple Compacta is indigenous to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. It can, however, be grown in a wide range of habitats and countries including the USA.

Hygrophila Corymbosa and Your Aquarium

Temple Compacta can look great in your aquarium. It is a stem plant that grows quickly. It will often need to be trimmed back frequently, especially if the growing conditions in your tank are well suited (it prefers to be in well lit aquariums). If you’re set on the Temple Compacta aquatic plant but don’t yet have a tank then a 48 inch aquarium light and 55 gallon tank would be an interesting option.

Cuttings can be taken from the temple plant. This is especially useful if you quickly want to increase the volume of the planting or to plant it into a second tank.

Hygrophila Corymbosa is a versatile aquatic plant. It is capable of growing in a range of water conditions. Depending on the iron content of the water it can be green in color all the way to red! It naturally grows above the water line, but is capable of surviving long periods of time under water. If allowed to grow above the water line it can produce purple, visually appealing flowers.

As with other types of aquarium plants, the Temple Compacta plant can be useful for preventing the growth and spread of algae. It is also useful in reducing the nitrate levels and carbon dioxide levels in your tank – both of which would be beneficial for any fish in your tank.

One thing to be careful of if you are introducing a Temple Compacta into a tank with fish is to not follow the optimal growing recommendations. Pure Temple Compacta guidelines will call for nitrates to be added to the tank to assist with growing. Great for the plant, but not great for your fish…

Suitable Substrates for your Temple Plant

When designing your planted tank it is also important to have the correct substrate. A well selected substrate can provide a range of nutrients and provide a great growing environment for your Temple Compacta plant. Just be sure to avoid those that are chemically coated and / or change the pH level of your water! If you’re unsure as to the best way forward check out our reviews on some of our favorite substrates for planted tanks.

Temple Compacta – Conclusion

The Temple compacta (Hygrophila Corymbosa) is a fast growing aquatic plant. It is a great choice for many aquariums. It is particularly useful for reducing nitrate levels and preventing the spread of algae such as brown algae.