shallow water, thick plants

[mellowvision]

I'm starting to layout a new tank, which will probably be a 40 breeder... half full.

the tank will probably have a beach area that is raised to the waterline, so only about 2/3rds of the 18x36" footprint will be open water. and that will only be 8-10" deep. I want to fill one corner about 12/12 with something that reaches (or extends past) the waterline and is swimmable, but dense. not broad leafed... I think I would prefer something that would grow right out of the water and stand straight...

I also recognize that the tank it will replace seems to get a bit of indirect sunlight, that has made it a constant algae problem, so part of the goal of these plants is to block a lot of the light from that direction, and grow quickly. other than this indirect light, I'd like to keep it really low light... and since it will likely have some waterfall or someting, I feel that DIY co2 will be futile, so I'd like to keep my plant choice simple.

I've been considering something like water sprite, but wouldn't mind something different, darker... looking for suggestions.

 

[Bk718]

Great idea, really want to see how it actually looks..
As far as plants how about bacopa??

 

[mellowvision]

yeah, I was thinking a bacopa might not be a bad choice, I've found it to grow well in my 15 gallon, but that's lemon bacopa i think

 

[Bk718]

I think it will grow well in the tank considering it is very bushy and can grow fine above the water line. Can also try wisteria since it has a pretty solid stem.

 

[Notophthalmus]

Some rotalas grow up out of the water and have beautiful blooms. I saw some at Lowe's just the other day, in the pond section.

If your tank has no lid, cardinal flower could work, though it may be a bit too broad-leaved for what you want.

Alternatively, you could use floating plants such as water hyacinth or frogbit that have extensive dangling root systems- you still get cover for your fish, excellent light blockage, and in the case of hyacinth, something that will fill the air space in that end of the tank.

 

[247Plants]

With enough light you could do HC.

 

[Bk718]

nope.. he wants it low light 247plants..

Can try cabomba, pretty dense

 

[mellowvision]

I had cabomba in another tank and had a hard time keeping it rooted, and thought it was maybe too delicate.

 

[bkw1982]

have you thought about water sprite, i love the way it looks when it breaks the surface.

 

[mellowvision]

yes, I am considering the sprite... never had any