Thin Val (narrow-leaf val) is a freshwater background plant with slim, ribbon-like green leaves. It forms a tall grass curtain that can hide heaters and filters, and it still lets light through to the front of the tank.

It spreads by runners. Leave it alone and you get a dense stand. The leaves move with the flow, which gives fish and shrimp cover to sit in.

Key features

Background: Tall, narrow blades. Less bulky than wide-leaf val, so the tank does not go dark.
Runners: Sends out new plants along the substrate. Easy to thin or replant.
Hardy: Wide water range. Suits beginners.
Cover: Shelter and foraging for community fish and shrimp.

Water and system compatibility

Water: Freshwater only. Not for marine or reef tanks.
System: Community aquariums and planted tanks. Background placement.

Care


Scientific name	Vallisneria nana (also sold as a narrow form of Vallisneria australis)
Difficulty	Very easy
Growth	Fast
Placement	Background
Light	Low to moderate
Temperature	20–28 °C
pH	6.5–8.0
CO₂	Optional

Plant the crown at substrate level. Do not bury it. Root tabs in gravel or sand help. Pull or replant runners if the stand gets too thick.

Stem

Thin Vallisneria (Thin Val)

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