The Grass Doctor

Whats a good type of live grass for an aquarium?

I want live grass on the bottom of my fish tank. Do i need a certain type of sand or something or will gravel work? and can i start growing it with fish in the tank already? also would having live grass eliminate the need for a gravel cleaner?

Public Comments

1. Any type of gravel will work, but fine gravel works the best for most plants in my experience. Personally, I don't like sand as a medium for plants as it can pack down fairly tight and slow their growth quite a bit. Live plants, even a carpet of live grass will not eliminate the need to clean the bottom of the tank, just make it more difficult and more important that you clean very often. My favorite for a grass look in an aquarium is micro sword plants. They grow much like grass in your lawn and spread the same was as many grasses, by runner. Here's a link to a page about one of the most common micro swords http://www.aquahobby.com/garden/e_lilaebras.php Hope that helps MM
2. any substrate would work really. but sand is uaually easier for the grass to grow. theres pleanty types of aquatic plants for you to choose from. http://www.aquahobby.com/e_aquarium_plants.php you might want to look at these: dwarf hairgrass ..thin, grows fast extremely hardy. brazilian microsword ..thicker, harder to keep.
3. Check out the following link for info on aquatic plants and grass of your choice: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/plants/plants.htm http://www.shopzilla.com/8B--Fish_Supplies_-_cat_id--31000400__keyword--freshwater%20aquarium%20grass__kw--grass%2Bfor%2Bfreshwater%2Baquarium__qcid--4215409210 :-)