cold fresh water plantswater

Question
I am an experienced salt and fresh water aquarist(what ever you want to call
it). I recently set up an old 240 gallon tank outside for  koi and maybe some
gold fish. I live on the top of a mountain in northern cali., it snows ever year
and gets very cold, I am trying to find some cold water plants that will be able
to handle the cold, look good, provide some oxygen and happiness for my
fish. The tank is currently cycling but no one in any pet stores has any thing
but parrot grass or anacaris.I heard about anubias and microsorum pteropus
please let me know if you have something for me thanks for your time, peace
out.

Answer
Hey Celeste,

Only a few plant species will work with Goldfish, for two reasons:

-Goldfish are coldwater fish, and this limits plant selection
-Goldfish will consume smaller and more tender plants, and will uproot others

A few ideas for plants would include:

Anubias Nana
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus), like you mentioned
Crinum thaianum (water onion)
Varieties of Hygrophila

These ones are ones that most people have tried using with Goldfish with success. The Hygro and Java Fern are particularly easy to grow, and I recommend that you start with those first, to see how things work out. Remember, individual fish may have different preferences for plants, and don't be discouraged if one doesn't work.

The Anacaris and grass will definitely NOT work.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!