Freshwater Aquarium Grass To Be Recommended For Your Aquarium
Freshwater aquarium grass plants are practically mandatory with respect to selection for an aquarium. They provide plants suitable for both foreground and background and at the same time accommodate the requirements of both shy and breeding fish with regards shelter and suitable spawning grounds. This article gives you a selection of plants to choose from.
Vallisneria
Vallisneria is an aquatic plant genus that has several species and has the common names of vallis, tape grass or eelgrass. The plant spreads by runners and the leaves have round tips and veins that stand out. White flowers can grow to the water surface on the long stems. The Vallisneria species include vallisneria aethiopica, V. americana, V. alternifolia, V. anhuiensis, V. asiatica, V. natans, V. spiralis and v. tortifolia.
Of these, only the V. spiralis, V. natans and V.tortifolia are normally found in the domestic aquarium. They are used because their maximum heights range from three to twelve inches and are ideal for the majority of aquarium sizes. Due to their size the V. gigantea (frequently called this but are actually V.americana) would be unsuitable due to the fact they grow up to 2 meters, although you could carry out regular pruning with sharp scissors.
The popular varieties are pretty hardy so will do alright under moderate light conditions but obviously grow more slowly. Any type of substrate can be used and they reproduce when runners are sent out with plantlets coming out from them at various locations along the runner. Once established these additional plants can be replanted elsewhere. It is best to avoid acidic water but they will tolerate some salt in the water, up to about one tenth that found in sea water.
Sagittaria
Straight Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) is a rooter and is also known as Tape or Eel Grass. This freshwater aquarium grass has leaves with round tips and are narrow and straight with colors varying from light green to red. You need to keep this plant in check as it will grow and spread rapidly
in the tank. It can reach about 60 cms in length. It reproduces by putting out runners
through the substrate.
White flowers may be seen at the top of the long stems. For this plant water conditions will be 15 to 39 degrees centigrade, pH 6 to pH 9 and soft to hard water. It will grow under a wide range of light conditions and is a favorite amongst aquarium keeping beginners.
Other Grass Plants
Lilaeopsis is another grass like plant that grows into a very thick sod like lawn. This plant requires bright light and a soft nutrient rich substrate. Often called Micro sword, it reaches a maximum height of three inches.
The Lilaeopsis genus includes a range of flowering plants that are often called grassworts. These include:
* Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (syn. Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae)
* Lilaeopsis carolinensis (Carolina grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis chinensis (Eastern grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis masonii (Mudflat quillplant)
* Lilaeopsis occidentalis (Western grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis schaffneriana
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used to produce a lawn effect for your aquarium. Comes in pots or clumps but is best to split it up before planting. Otherwise, as a very dense plant it will accumulate algae and debris. It will propagate by sending out runners. It seems that this freshwater aquarium grass plant establishes itself more easily when the substrate is made up of finer material.
Get a FREE e-course on how to set up and maintain tropical freshwater aquariums from the author Paul Curran. As you can see there are quite a few freshwater aquarium grass plants to choose from and I hope this article points you in the right direction when selecting some for your aquarium.
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