Ground Cover Plants

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Linga, Sep 7, 2009.

  1. Linga

    Linga Aquarist or Gardener ?

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    hi Guys

    anyone have some recomendations for some ground cover plants (would like to have a nice carpet effect and cover as much of the substrate in the front of the tank as possible.

    What would be even better if someone had some spare they could sell to me.
     
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  3. Wayne

    Wayne

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    Yes i'm looking for the same effect - so will watch the
    responses with interest
     
  4. Zafgak

    Zafgak Old fart

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    Hi Linga and Wayne - the traditional carpet for a tank is HC, but is a bitch to look after.

    Are you looking for something easy, not requiring billions of watts of light and enough CO2 to create a greenhouse effect on 5 planets ???

    If so - I don't have an answer to this one... Maybe the plant guys can help
     
  5. OP
    Linga

    Linga Aquarist or Gardener ?

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    lol thanks zafgak - yeah would really like for it to be little bit easy to take care of.
     
  6. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    a few...


    howsit! :bigsmile:

    Locally grown options (Since Import equivalents are blacklisted ):
    Echinodorus tenellus Pigmy chain sword
    Eleocharis spp. Hairgrass
    Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

    Also look at
    Glossostigma elatinoides (a bit easier, some say, than HC)

    OR
    Moss "panels"
    Riccia "mats"
    Hemianthus micranthemum
    Pruned and trained - to appear like lawns OR rapidly cover exposed gravel areas.

    tasa members may spare you some of above.
    ...otherwise browse your sponsors forum for ideas of who gets what, whenever

    If you want to - TheWaterZoo has some plants available.....just send a few guys pm and you should be in the LAWN business.

    ..or at least know when/who/what:p
     
  7. neilh

    neilh

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    Echinodorus Quadricostatus. I've had some success with only 3X39w and no Co2 in a 600 tall tank.

    Tried
     
  8. Altum

    Altum Sponsor

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    quadbike cost us?

    :bigsmile:

    thanks neil
    I had it in mind, but then thought of height...but good,strong light sorts that out...

    See linga?
    helpful okes these
     
  9. OP
    Linga

    Linga Aquarist or Gardener ?

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    thanks guys, u right Altum this is an awesome site with great help from everyone
     
  10. Sean J

    Sean J

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    The micro-swords will be nice for that type of effect. Also Sagitarius Subulata would work rather nicely. Although it does get a little bigger than the E. Quadricostatus.
     
  11. Wayne

    Wayne

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    micro - swords like a low mainteance option and very attractive - anyone know where to get hold of them in Slaapstad
     
  12. Slojo

    Slojo

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    and in PTA?
    I would prefer to spend the postage money on buying the plants.(No offence to the sponsors)
     
  13. Gilbertr14

    Gilbertr14 Phenacogrammus

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    I've been looking for hairgrass for ages.

    There are some members here that may be able to donate some micro swords, I got mine here on the forum.
     
  14. Laure

    Laure Cyano Terminator

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    Send a PM to Prof Dirk to get hold of his plant list. He sells Echinodorus Quadricostatus. And he is in the Cape area.

    Of all the micro swords this one is the least demanding on light. In fact, it will grow slowly but steadily with very little light. It will go wild with high light! It gets around 10cm tall, so you don't really get a lawn effect, unless your tank is 60cm+ high. For easiest lawn option, try this with Java Moss:

    http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=101806

    The article is aimed at Riccia, which is what I am currently doing (see my tank thread http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=1300), but you can do a low maintenance solution with moss. In fact, a moss carpet is perfect for a low light setup.
     
  15. OP
    Linga

    Linga Aquarist or Gardener ?

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    thanks Laure, that looks awesome think i will try the moss option it looks easy to do
     
  16. Asgar

    Asgar

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    Anyone know where can I get hold of Java Moss in Durban.
     
  17. Whipme

    Whipme Microsword

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    You should be able to get microswords from a few shops in Pretoria. I know that Exclusive Pets in Centurion and Pet City in Montana both have it regularly. The latter is cheaper and better stocked though.
     

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