| You really must have freshwater aquarium grass in | | | | about one tenth that found in sea water. |
| your aquarium. There are plenty to use for both | | | | Straight Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) is a rooter and is |
| locating in the back and front areas of your tank. | | | | also known as Tape or Eel Grass. Its leaves have |
| They also provide shelter for timid fish and adequate | | | | round tips and are narrow and straight with colors |
| spawning areas. A range of species to choose from | | | | varying from light green to red. |
| are covered in this article. | | | | You need to keep this plant in check as it will grow |
| Freshwater aquarium grass plants are really essential | | | | and spread rapidly in the tank. It can reach about 60 |
| if your aquarium is to look like it should and be a | | | | cms in length. It propagates by the sending out |
| welcome haven for your fish. They will provide both | | | | runners along the substrate. |
| cover and shelter for shy fish and areas for breeding | | | | White flowers may be seen at the top of the long |
| to take place. This article describes a range of grass | | | | stems. Soft to hard water quality is preferred, the |
| like plants of varying sizes that you can use in your | | | | temperature fifteen to thirty nine degrees centigrade |
| tank. | | | | and a pH range of six to nine. It will grow under a |
| Vallisneria | | | | wide range of light conditions and is a favorite |
| Vallisneria is an aquatic plant genus that has several | | | | amongst aquarium keeping beginners. |
| species and has the common names of vallis, tape | | | | Other Grass Plants |
| grass or eelgrass. The plant spreads by runners and | | | | Lilaeopsis is another grass like plant that grows into a |
| the leaves have round tips and veins that stand out. | | | | very thick sod like lawn. This plant requires bright light |
| White flowers can grow to the water surface on the | | | | and a soft nutrient rich substrate. It is also known as |
| long stems. The Vallisneria species include vallisneria | | | | micro sword with a top height of 3 inches. |
| aethiopica, V. americana, V. alternifolia, V. anhuiensis, | | | | The Lilaeopsis genus includes a range of flowering |
| V. asiatica, V. natans, V. spiralis and v. tortifolia. | | | | plants that are often called grassworts. These include: |
| Of these, only the V. spiralis, V. natans and V.tortifolia | | | | * Lilaeopsis brasiliensis (syn. Lilaeopsis novae-zelandiae) |
| are normally found in the domestic aquarium. They | | | | * Lilaeopsis carolinensis (Carolina grasswort) |
| are used because their maximum heights range from | | | | * Lilaeopsis chinensis (Eastern grasswort) |
| three to twelve inches and are ideal for the majority | | | | * Lilaeopsis masonii (Mudflat quillplant) |
| of aquarium sizes. | | | | * Lilaeopsis occidentalis (Western grasswort) |
| Due to their size the V. gigantea (frequently called | | | | * Lilaeopsis schaffneriana |
| this but are actually V.americana) would not be | | | | Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used to produce a lawn |
| suitable because they reach two meters in height, | | | | effect for your aquarium. Comes in pots or clumps |
| but you could if you kept the size down by regular | | | | but is best to split it up before planting. Otherwise, as |
| trimming. | | | | a very dense plant it will accumulate algae and debris. |
| The popular varieties are pretty hardy so will do | | | | It will propagate by sending out runners. It seems |
| alright under moderate light conditions but obviously | | | | that this freshwater aquarium grass plant establishes |
| grow more slowly. Any type of substrate can be | | | | itself more easily when the substrate is made up of |
| used and they reproduce when runners are sent out | | | | finer material. |
| with plantlets coming out from them at various | | | | As you can see there are quite a few freshwater |
| locations along the runner. | | | | aquarium grass plants to choose from and I hope this |
| Once established these additional plants can be | | | | article points you in the right direction when selecting |
| replanted elsewhere. It is best to avoid acidic water | | | | some for your aquarium. |
| but they will tolerate some salt in the water, up to | | | | |