Does Stargrass Need Substrate?

[Epicchef]

Does stargrass need a good substrate, or is it like anacharis and hornwort?

 

[aqua_chem]

I would actually say that, like hornwort and anacharis, it does not need a good substrate, as much of their nutrients come from the water column. While they would appreciate a good substrate, it is not necessary.

Honestly, I think that very few plants necessarily need a good substrate. Aquarist have developed tricks like root tabs to circumvent that requirement.

 

[Epicchef]

I'm asking because it has flourite and isn't growing.

 

[aqua_chem]

Substrate choice is one of the least important factors in plant survival. Light, co2, and fertilizer has a much bigger impact.

 

[Epicchef]

i'm dosing seachem flourish and the lights are really bright leds.(3 blue leds, rest are white). I think i only need co2 but i don't have a diffuser.

 

[aqua_chem]

What brand of LEDs and what size tank?

 

[Epicchef]

20 tall. Marineland leds. I chose blue because it causes a bushy growth.

 

[Epicchef]

Also, i just ordered some baby tears. How long would it take to carpet 24" x 12"?Tied to clay and dosing co2. I made a co2 generator and a homemade diffuser. Woth seache flourish.

 

[jetajockey]

I'd lean toward the lighting, stargrass is a total weed when happy.

If you are having issues with stargrass I suspect you'll have even more with HC.

 

[aqua_chem]

Yea, my money is on lighting too. Stargrass is borderline invasive when given reasonable conditions, but it does tend to like more medium levels of light.

 

[Epicchef]

I have leds, my jungle val is melting too. fish are fine with bright red noses. (rummynose tetras)