Plant that covers bottom

[redsea]

What is a good hardy low maintenance plant, that is readily available, the covers the substrate? Also if I got a plant that covers the substrate, I wouldn't need to vacuum it anymore, right? Also if you own the plant you suggest to me, please post a picture. Thanks

 

[redsea]

No suggestions?

 

[herp_mommy]

most carpeting plants require high light. The higher the light, the more horizontal the plant can grow. You would still need to vacuum, just do it gently.

 

[mfdrookie516]

marsilea minuta will do ok in low light... dhg will do ok in medium light. baby tears (HM) can do ok in medium light. dwarf baby tears (HC) will need higher lighting. There are a lot more, those are the more common. as far as vacuuming, I don't vac any of my planted tanks, and none of them are covered right now.... i only vac my bare bottom tanks.

 

[cbwmn]

I like marsilea minuta also.
Here are some pictures, look at the first three:
AQUARIUMS pictures by cbwmn - Photobucket

Good luck,
Charles

 

[aqua_chem]

Most carpeting plants are going to want CO2. It can be done w/o, but it will probably be slower going.

 

[cbwmn]

MM needing CO2

Most carpeting plants are going to want CO2. It can be done w/o, but it will probably be slower going.

That's a true fact. I DIY CO2 on that 16 gallon tank.
Charles

 

[jcolon]

You can look at crypt wendtii ... it doesn't have the lawn grass like look of others, but it can be spread and fill out ..plus it's a low light plant.

 

[redsea]

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[mfdrookie516]

crypt wendtii would not be something I would consider a carpeting plant... I had some that were at least a foot tall... and they do not stay down on the substrate. I doubt that would work for what the OP wants

 

[aqua_chem]

You can look at crypt wendtii ... it doesn't have the lawn grass like look of others, but it can be spread and fill out ..plus it's a low light plant.

Not to mention that crypt wendtii will taking forever to carpet well unless you buy a ton.

 

[jcolon]

After my first post I went down and took a look at my tank and crypt wendtii doesn't make the best carpeting plant ... but it does look soooooo nice as a foreground plant. If the OP decides to forgo carpeting plants ... this could be an option.

 

[Chrisinator]

I recommend checking out Dwarf Sags. They are awesome plants and fast growers too.

 

[cbwmn]

Dwarf sags

I recommend checking out Dwarf Sags. They are awesome plants and fast growers too.

I don't consider DS as a carpet plant at all. Mine grow to 8-10" tall.
But they do spread well.
Charles

 

[Ryan1986]

My DS stays at 3-4 inches from what I have read it really depends on the lighting

 

[aqua_chem]

If you're DS grows more than 5", it probably not DS. There are similar looking sagittaria that grow higher.

 

[redsea]

Thanks again everyone for your thoughts! I hope I can get a planted tank soon!

 

[cbwmn]

Sagittaria Subulata

My DS stays at 3-4 inches from what I have read it really depends on the lighting

I’m growing DS in a 16 gallon with 2 x 40 watt cfl’s = 5 wpg. It’s over 10” tall.

If you're DS grows more than 5", it probably not DS. There are similar looking sagittaria that grow higher.

The only sag that I know of is Sagittaria Subulata

Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata)

 

[Coleallensmom]

The only sag that I know of is Sagittaria Subulata

Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata)

I've seen a "dwarf" variant sold as well as "regular" Subulata but height IMO depends on lighting; the plants will grow taller in lower lighting but of course will stay more compact with higher lighting.

 

[Shane83]

No suggestions?

You have Hemianthus Calliatrodes, Glossostigma, Marsilea, and Lillaeopsis to name a few. Each have different advantages and disadvantages I think. Glossostigma will like more light. Lillaeopsis can look quite good and add some height but it won't spread quickly, and you will have to individually plant stems.