From Dry Start to Rot (Dwarf Hairgrass)

[BioChem]

Good day all! A bit frustrated, but I have a feeling I know what went wrong. Three weeks ago I attempted to dry start carpet Eleocharis parvula (20 gal long with Finnex 24/7 planted + and brightwell aquasoil). By day 3, a stench of rot seeped out of the tank when I lifted the clear plastic to add more water.

I planted centimeter thick plugs, about 0.5 inches apart. Soil is drenched in water. I think the plugs were too thick. Any feedback or suggestions? Thx!

 

[Bert2oo1]

Did you have a corner off the plastic? When try starting it's essential to have abit of ventilation or you'll get Rott and mold.

Also if the hairgrass was grown submerged you will get a fair bit of melt before it can get a good foot hold.

Make sure the water is below the top of the substrate (just slightly)

You want to be misting atleast twice a day [emoji106]

Hope this helps [emoji106]