Low Compact Carpeting Plant For A Low Light Tank.

[Rackie]

Hi,

I have a low light tank (1.25WPG) and currently running pressurised CO2 and a low dose EI regime. So far everything seems to be going well so I am hoping folks on here can offer suggestions on which is the best plant to use for carpeting a section at the front of the tank.

The area(s) I want to carpet are approx. 8x4 inches (may be larger) and I want it to be quite dense but low growing. Taking into consideration the low light is there a plant I can use. I do like Glosso but not sure if this would work?

 

[RadaR]

I doubt glosso would work at all.
You could try Hairgrass and also secure java moss to pieces of slate (see jimbooo's pinned thread).

 

[DevUK]

Marsilea hirsuta might work

 

[keith00]

I got all excited when I added Lillaeopsis mauritania to my low tech tank and it started to spread within days. Then either or both of the shrimps and corries had a go and now it looks very sparse.

Does any one know of a carpeting plant for low tech tanks that is shrimp and corry proof?

 

[Themuleous]

Carpeting plants for low light tanks a tricky, most carpeting plants only stay low due to the high light levels.

Sam

 

[nry]

'Possibly' Utricularia graminifolia may do OK if the substrate is good, sand would be ideal, not sure if it likes anything below the substrate or not, it would certainly appreciate some CO2 but it is not essential according to Tropica's description.

 

[DevUK]

Utricularia graminifolia is supposed to grow quite well in low light with no CO2. I was reading that it even needs quite a short photo period when its first planted (for up to 6 weeks). I'm going to do some more reading on it as I'm planning to use it as a carpet plant

 

[nry]

Ditto, me too, I tried it with EcoComplete but no CO2 and not too much light in my 5-gallon ages ago, it did badly though I think I planted it badly and my shrimps kept uprooting it. I hope it will do better in sand with better lighting, CO2 and decent EI though time will tell! I am thinking of keeping the tank fish/shrimp free for 2-3 weeks after planting to give it some chance of rooting - the fish in this tank will be small (pygmy cory/oto's) so I am only concernced about the shrimp ripping the stuff up.

 

[Castellop123]

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