Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Freshwater Aquarium Grass To Be Recommended For Your Aquarium

You really must have freshwater aquarium grass in
your aquarium. There are plenty to use for both
locating in the back and front areas of your
tank. They also provide shelter for timid fish
and adequate spawning areas. A range of species
to choose from are covered in this article.

Freshwater aquarium grass plants are really
essential if your aquarium is to look like it
should and be a welcome haven for your fish. They
will provide both cover and shelter for shy fish
and areas for breeding to take place. This
article describes a range of grass like plants of
varying sizes that you can use in your tank.

Vallisneria

Vallisneria is an aquatic plant genus that has
several species and has the common names of
vallis, tape grass or eelgrass. The plant spreads
by runners and the leaves have round tips and
veins that stand out. White flowers can grow to
the water surface on the long stems. The
Vallisneria species include vallisneria
aethiopica, V. americana, V. alternifolia, V.
anhuiensis, V. asiatica, V. natans, V. spiralis
and v. tortifolia.

Of these, only the V. spiralis, V. natans and
V.tortifolia are normally found in the domestic
aquarium. They are used because their maximum
heights range from three to twelve inches and are
ideal for the majority of aquarium sizes.

Due to their size the V. gigantea (frequently
called this but are actually V.americana) would
be unsuitable due to the fact they grow up to 2
meters, although you could carry out regular
pruning with sharp scissors.

The popular varieties are pretty hardy so will do
alright under moderate light conditions but
obviously grow more slowly. Any type of substrate
can be used and they reproduce when runners are
sent out with plantlets coming out from them at
various locations along the runner.

Once established these additional plants can be
replanted elsewhere. It is best to avoid acidic
water but they will tolerate some salt in the
water, up to about one tenth that found in sea
water.

Straight Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) is a
rooter and is also known as Tape or Eel Grass.
Its leaves have round tips and are narrow and
straight with colors varying from light green to
red.

You need to keep this plant in check as it will
grow and spread rapidly in the tank. It can reach
about 60 cms in length. It reproduces by putting
out runners through the substrate.

White flowers may be seen at the top of the long
stems. For this plant water conditions will be 15
to 39 degrees centigrade, pH 6 to pH 9 and soft
to hard water. It will grow under a wide range of
light conditions and is a favorite amongst
aquarium keeping beginners.

Other Grass Plants

Lilaeopsis is another grass like plant that grows
into a very thick sod like lawn. This plant
requires bright light and a soft nutrient rich
substrate. Often called Micro sword, it reaches a
maximum height of three inches.

The Lilaeopsis genus has several species of
flowering plants commonly known as grassworts.
These include:
* Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (syn. Lilaeopsis
novae-zelandiae)
* Lilaeopsis carolinensis (Carolina grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis chinensis (Eastern grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis masonii (Mudflat quillplant)
* Lilaeopsis occidentalis (Western grasswort)
* Lilaeopsis schaffneriana

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used to produce a
lawn effect for your aquarium. Comes in pots or
clumps but is best to split it up before
planting. Otherwise, as a very dense plant it
will accumulate algae and debris.

It will propagate by sending out runners. It
seems that this freshwater aquarium grass plant
establishes itself more easily when the substrate
is made up of finer material.

As you can see there are quite a few freshwater
aquarium grass plants to choose from and I hope
this article points you in the right direction
when selecting some for your aquarium.

----------------------------------------------------
Get your FREE E-Course from webmaster and author
Paul Curran, on how to set up and maintain a
beautiful aquarium, have the healthiest, happiest
fish around AND learn about more freshwater tank
fish at http://www.fresh-water-aquariums-guide.com

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=106700

>