Freshwater Aquarium Grass You Need To Use

There are several popular plants that will give you the different types of freshwater aquarium grass that you want to put in your tank and they are not expensive to purchase. This article describes those available. If you are looking for freshwater aquarium grass to put in your tank then there are many types you can get. Just as there is out of water you will find long grass plants, short grass plants and some will have flat leaves, some will have twisted leaves and some will be like hairs.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria plants can be discovered globally in swamps, marshes and boggy areas. For use in the aquarium you need to select a species that will not grow too tall as you can get species that will grow to three feet. Now that's a big tank! They are popular because they are relatively easy to grow and maintain. Vallisneria spiralis is one of the most common selected. As its name suggests its leaves are twisted like a corkscrew or spiral. From an aquarium landscaping perspective, using Vallisneria plants for the sides and back of your tank give you the basis for your background set up. Planting in rows or tight groups gives the maximum effect.

Sagittaria

The Sagittaria genus has several species that will grow to varying heights; Sagittaria subulata grows up to two foot whereas its dwarf version, var subulata, can reach up to one foot but is usually 6 to 8 inches. This plant is fairly easy to grow and will do best in medium to bright light although it will survive lower levels of light better than many other freshwater aquarium grass plants. There are bigger species but they are probably not appropriate for your aquarium; the var kurtzian and var gracillima that grow to twenty inches and two to three feet respectively.

Echinodorus

Among the Echinodorus genus (generally known as ‘Sword Plants’) there are several species that come under the freshwater aquarium grass type and they are known as the ‘Pygmy Chain Swords’. These species include E. tenellus, E. latifolius and E. quadricostatus. Height wise the tenellus has a few varieties that differ as the real dwarf tenellus is a lot smaller than the ‘tenellus’ which usually can grow to over 6 inches. This dwarf tenellus is also known as the micro tenellus. Shape wise the E.quadricostatus has leaves that are rounder and this plant is also known as the Cuban Chain Sword. The E. latifolius has broader leaves and can grow taller than the tenellus. So if you are looking for a grass area in the foreground then the micro tenellus seems ideal. They all thrive best in moderate to bright light conditions.

Eleocharis 

The Eleocharis genus is known as the hairgrass family and there are several species suited for use as freshwater aquarium grass plants. One of them, Eleocharis acicularis, has the following common names, dwarf hairgrass and needle spikerush, grows to about 6 inches, propagates through rhizomes and thrives on plenty of light. Outside the aquarium it can be found in pools, bogs and marshes. Eleocharis parvula is known as small spikerush and dwarf spikerush and will grow to between 2 and 3 inches. Apparently this plant grows from a horseshoe shaped tuber (or J shaped) that could help you identify it if you come across one. Obviously good for foreground planting.

Eleocharis vivipara has the following common names; viviparous spikerush, umbrella hair grass and sprouting spikerush. It propagates from by sending out runners from which plantlets emerge. Outside the aquarium this species can be found alongside ponds, marshes, and ditches. As you can see from the above information there are several popular plants available.

Just select from the different types of freshwater aquarium grass described and you won’t go far wrong with your tank. These plants are not expensive to purchase. This article has described those available. I hope the above information has helped you in selecting an appropriate choice of freshwater aquarium grass.

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