Best Carpet Plant?

[challdog]

what is the cheapest 'carpet plant'

i need it to be simple -->
just simply, plonk it in... and it does its thing
is there such a plant?

could you please post links with your replies

thanks guys,
iain

 

[StandbySetting]

While Java Moss technically isn't a carpet plant, you can strap it to mesh that's the shape of the desired carpet and let it grow, one of the easiest mosses to keep.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Riccia, cheap cheap cheap and from a golf ball sized portion in a tank floating after a couple of months will soon be 10 times as much which you can spread out under some plastic mesh which will grow through nice and thick and lush green. Not as good looking as HC and some other carpet plants but by far the cheapest and easiest to grow, the prob with mosses is they take forever to grow and high lighting will make it grow thick and lush but low lighting it grows more stringy. Just my opinion bit I'd use Riccia for the budget and fast growth. Have a look in some journals for pics.

 

[challdog]

is there not a plant that will grow into the substrate?
but just ... really small and... carpety

 

[StandbySetting]

E.tenellus will, but won't look like a carpet plant in a small set up, Pogostemon helferi carpets too, but it takes forever.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Also Lilaeopsis but yet again takes forever.

 

[snowflake311]

Moss is cheapest you can get java moss fir free if you look. But it does tke a long time to grow in depending on co2 and light. It too mine a month to fill in.

I have HC and it's not that easy. It has filled in fast and is getting thick. But this is in my high light co2 tank. I just got riccia to put on some rocks. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way. With in a week it has started to sprout in my basic set ups no co2 just good light. I heard this stuff can be a pain to keep nice when tied but doable. I have yet to trim mine I will have to get back to you on that.

Riccais would be my pick it's really really easy to grow but maintenance can be a chore. I think it looks great too. It pearls like crazy in the right conditions.

 

[challdog]

ive got some riccia
but i hate how it floats... and then clogs my filter
...
...
any suggestions for a newbie?

 

[snowflake311]

ive got some riccia
but i hate how it floats... and then clogs my filter
...
...
any suggestions for a newbie?

The bet way to get it to stay down is to use a net. You can buy those mesh bath sponges for $1.00 and cut it up to use it to wrap the rock in riccia. Only put a thin layer of the riccia under the net really thin it out. Then twist all the extra netting and zip tie it so it's under the rock.

Here is a crappy photo of mine.

In a few weeks it will fill in over the netting and you will never know it Was there.

Some fish can caused the riccia to float more if you have fish that like to pick at plants. Make sure you trim your riccia often to keep it from rotting.

 

[challdog]

i'll give that a try then
cheers

 

[challdog]

right, i've tried the shower sponge theory...
so far so good