[Rob G]

In browsing the entries in this year's AGA contest, I found myself drawn to Wayne Sham's entry #36.

His tank has inspired me to scape a five gallon tank I am currently using to breed RCS.

In Wayne's entry, I see that he refers to the grass-like plant as "Junior sword." Phil's comment indicates it is E. tenellus, which is what I thought it was at first glance. Will someone confirm that it is in fact E. tenellus?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for alternative "grassy" plants to use as a highlight to a primarily glosso-scaped five gallon tank? I was thinking about using a variety of eleocharis or perhaps sagittaria subulata. I am looking for a plant that will not spread rapidly in relation to the fast-growing glosso. The tank will be lit by a 15w PC bulb, and I plan to supplement with CO2 and macro/micro nutrients as needed. To reiderate, I am looking for a slow-growing, grass-like plant, the leaves of which will contrast in shape and color with glosso.

 

[cS]

The red tinted narrow leaf sword is Echinodorus tenellus 'Micro'.

You can't go with anything thinner/smaller blades than Eleocharis parvulus. Eleocharis acicularis is a bit taller if you want the heigth. Glossostigma elatinoides will quickly outpace the E. parvulus/acicularis. If you want something much less aggressive but still retain the scale & appearance, then Marsilea minuta would be your best bet.

As to what contrasts well with what, I will defer such aquascaping advice to those more fluent in the field.

 

[Hispid]

They would be hard to find bit some Eriocauline species or Isoëtes should be perfect as they would not spread much or at all or grow too large. Also left of field Pilularia should spread fairly slowly compared with Glosso. Of course good luck finding any of these.

Cheers Tony