CRS + black substrate + which plants?

[Finley]

Hi

I am planning a new tank for my CRS. I want to create the 'black gravel + bright green plants' look.

Which ground cover plants do you think I should use? I want something that provides a favourable breeding environment for the CRS, as well as looking cool and being not impossible to grow.

(I will have Endlers and Otocinclus in there too.)

Thanks

 

[Bk718]

java moss lol :x

 

[Finley]

Java moss isn't really a ground cover. It's more for wood/decoration, and it's a bit ordinary.

I was thinking of something much more striking for growing in large patches of the substrate.

 

[Bk718]

well you can work with moss as a ground cover.. but giving you suggestions on plants without knowing your lighting is a bit impossible..

 

[jmhart]

Yeah, depends on lighitng, substrate, co2, ferts. Also, I wouldn't put it past the Endler's to pick off a few CRS fry. If they can fit it in their mouth, they will.

 

[Finley]

Because it's a new tank the lighting is also yet to be decided. Within reason ($) I will provide whatever lighting is necessary to grow suitable plants and keep the CRS healthy.

So the "Which plants?" question comes first. Lighting to suit them will follow, so I'd love to get your recommendations on that too.

I know there is some risk with the Endlers, but they hang out mostly near the surface and it's a deep tank. Also that's partly why I want good ground cover - so the CRS can relax and breed safely.

Fin.

 

[msjinkzd]

You could look into dwarf sag depending on the tank size. I have it doing well in 10 and 29g tanks. I keep it in about 2wpg, no ferts, and eco complete and its going like gangbusters. Its not a dense ground cover, but it stay low and the shrimp like it.

 

[luckydud13]

HC for ground cover

 

[jmhart]

While not exactly the best for CRS viewing, Blyxa Japonica is great for protecting your shrimp. The spaces between plants provide a great breeding ground for shrimp and keep them wll protected from any hungry fish lingering above.