Anubias Mini Coin: A Compact Beauty for Your Aquarium

If you’re searching for a small, hardy, and versatile plant to enhance your aquascape, Anubias Mini Coin is a perfect choice. This charming plant, with its round leaves and compact size, is ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquascapers. In this blog, we will explore the unique qualities of Anubias Mini Coin, its origins, care requirements, and the best ways to incorporate it into your aquascape.

What is Anubias Mini Coin?

Anubias Mini Coin (scientific name: Anubias barteri var. nana 'Mini Coin') is a smaller variant of the popular Anubias species, known for its durability and ease of care. It gets its name from its tiny, coin-shaped leaves, which grow close together on short stems. This compact size makes it a great choice for nano tanks, as well as for foreground or midground placement in larger aquariums.

Anubias Mini Coin is slow-growing and doesn’t require much maintenance, which makes it highly popular among aquarists who want to add greenery without the hassle of frequent trimming or extensive care routines.

Place of Origin

Anubias Mini Coin is native to the tropical regions of West Africa, particularly countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. In the wild, Anubias species are typically found growing along the banks of rivers and streams, where they often anchor themselves to rocks and submerged wood. They thrive in shaded environments under the canopy of tropical rainforests, where they receive diffused light.

Why Choose Anubias Mini Coin?

There are several reasons why Anubias Mini Coin is a great addition to any aquarium:

• Hardy and Adaptable: Like other Anubias plants, Mini Coin is highly resilient and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
• Compact Size: Its small leaves and low height make it ideal for nano tanks or as a foreground plant in larger aquariums.
• Low Light Requirement: It thrives in low to moderate light, making it an excellent option for shaded or lower-light setups.
• Versatility in Aquascaping: Anubias Mini Coin can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or even left free-floating, allowing for endless possibilities in aquascape design.

Ideal Conditions for Anubias Mini Coin

While Anubias Mini Coin is a low-maintenance plant, providing the right conditions will help it thrive and maintain its lush green appearance.

1. Lighting

Anubias Mini Coin does best in low to moderate light conditions. In fact, too much light can cause algae to grow on its leaves, which can be harmful to the plant. Avoid placing it directly under high-intensity lighting. Instead, use diffused light or position it in shaded areas of the tank. This plant is perfect for aquariums with floating plants that can provide natural shade.

2. CO2 and Fertilization

Although Anubias Mini Coin doesn’t require CO2 supplementation, providing it will promote healthier growth and may encourage the plant to grow slightly faster. As a slow grower, the plant does not need heavy fertilization, but occasional use of liquid fertilizers or root tabs can help maintain its lush green color.

3. Water Parameters

This plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of water conditions. Here are its preferred water parameters:

• Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Because Anubias Mini Coin is so hardy, it can tolerate minor fluctuations in water conditions, making it a great option for tanks with varying setups.

4. Substrate and Anchoring

Anubias Mini Coin does not need to be planted in substrate. In fact, burying its rhizome (the horizontal stem from which the leaves grow) in the substrate can lead to rot. Instead, the plant should be attached to rocks, driftwood, or decorations using thread or aquarium-safe glue. Over time, the plant will naturally anchor itself to these surfaces.

5. Pruning and Maintenance

One of the great things about Anubias Mini Coin is its low maintenance. Since it grows slowly, you won’t need to trim it often. However, if older leaves start to yellow or develop algae, you can carefully trim them off to keep the plant looking fresh and healthy.

Best Uses of Anubias Mini Coin in Aquascaping

Anubias Mini Coin’s versatility makes it a perfect addition to various aquascape designs. Here are some of the best ways to use this plant in your aquarium:

1. Foreground and Nano Tanks

Due to its small size, Anubias Mini Coin is perfect for nano aquariums and foreground planting in larger tanks. Its low-growing, compact nature allows it to create a lush carpet-like effect when grouped together, adding depth and texture to the foreground without overpowering the rest of the layout.

2. Attaching to Hardscape

One of the best ways to use Anubias Mini Coin is to attach it to hardscape elements like rocks and driftwood. This mimics its natural habitat and creates a stunning visual effect as the plant spreads over surfaces, creating an organic look. Anubias Mini Coin is particularly useful for filling gaps between larger pieces of driftwood or stones, adding subtle greenery to hardscape-heavy designs.

3. Shaded Areas

If you have spots in your aquarium with low light or areas under overhanging plants, Anubias Mini Coin is a great choice for those shaded sections. It thrives in lower light environments and can add life to parts of the tank that might otherwise look empty or barren.

4. Low-Tech Aquariums

Anubias Mini Coin is perfect for low-tech setups that don’t rely on high light or CO2 injection. Its low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for aquarists who want a beautiful tank without the hassle of intensive care. It can be used alongside other low-light plants like Java Fern and Cryptocoryne for a cohesive, easy-to-maintain aquascape.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While Anubias Mini Coin is a hardy plant, there are a few common issues to watch out for:

• Algae Growth on Leaves: Because of its slow growth, Anubias Mini Coin can sometimes attract algae, especially in tanks with high light. To prevent this, reduce lighting or move the plant to a shaded area.
• Yellowing Leaves: Older leaves may yellow and die off, which is a normal part of the plant’s life cycle. If yellowing happens frequently, it may indicate a lack of nutrients, and you should consider adding liquid fertilizer.
• Rhizome Rot: Ensure the rhizome is never buried in the substrate, as this can lead to rot. Always attach it to rocks or driftwood above the substrate level.

Final Thoughts

Anubias Mini Coin is a fantastic plant for anyone looking to add a touch of greenery and texture to their aquarium. Its compact size, hardiness, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. Whether you’re designing a high-tech aquascape or a low-maintenance setup, Anubias Mini Coin can elevate your tank’s aesthetic with its delicate, round leaves and versatile nature.

By providing the right care and incorporating it thoughtfully into your aquascape, you’ll be rewarded with a long-lasting, beautiful plant that will enhance your aquarium for years to come.