Replacement ground cover plant - Aquascaping

Coralite · 01-14-2009, 08:33 PM

Hi Guys,
I am looking to replace a big mat of Eleocharis with something else as the ground cover in my high energy aquarium. I am looking for a plant which will compliment the current fauna, not be too invasive and it would hopefully highlight my growing Eriocaulon collection. I had to temporarily remove most of the Erios because the hairgrass was overtaking everything. I am considering using Rotala mexicana 'goias', Hygrophyla 'araguaia' or Utricularia gibba. Has anyone seen a good lawn using the first two plants? UG is kind of my fall back in case I decide to pass on the first two. I welcome any thoughts and suggestions for this ground cover change over.
Here is the tank

Here is Rotala mexicana goias and Hygrophyla araguaia after that.

ZooTycoonMaster · 01-14-2009, 08:41 PM

Sorry I don't have a suggestion, but what's the red plant on the right of the leftmost driftwood?

Coralite · 01-14-2009, 09:01 PM

Tex Gal I think you are right about the height and slow growth of the Hygrophyla araguaia, maybe I will make a separate patch for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZooTycoonMaster

Sorry I don't have a suggestion, but what's the red plant on the right of the leftmost driftwood?

Ludwigia sp Guinea

Tex Gal · 01-14-2009, 08:44 PM

The Hygrophyla 'araguaia' grow a little tall for a foreground plant unless you don't mind it being 3" or 4" tall. I have it in my tank. I think it's a great plant for the side front perhaps. It is also a very slow grower. It would take forever!

There was a lot of UG for sale here just recently. It might be a good time to get some.

FBG · 01-14-2009, 09:58 PM

that plant looks amazing! almost so perfect that it looks photo shopped.
sorry for not having any suggestions, but your plants look very nice.

Tex Gal · 01-14-2009, 10:27 PM

Have you thought of Elatine triandra. I've seen it in tanks and its awfully cute.

There is always the glosso and HC. I have E. tennellus sp pink (aka micro), downoi. Trying to get Ranunculus Inundatus to take off... Also have Crypte nevilli (now that's a cute amazing one!).

FishandTurtleJunkie · 01-15-2009, 12:06 AM

For short ground cover I would go with Marsilea Minuta. Stays compact and will cover the ground almost like glosso. It will really emphasis your Erios.

davemonkey · 01-15-2009, 06:13 AM

I second the Marsilea. I'm having great success with that plant as a foreground carpet; thick, lush, dark green, and so far just under 1" tall.

-Dave

ShaneS · 01-15-2009, 06:21 AM

What is the tall purplish plant in the middle right?

Zapins · 01-15-2009, 06:48 AM

ShaneS the plant is Sao Paulo.