Who Gives A Fish Forums

Thinking about adding dwarf hairgrass to my 20 gallon planted tank. Anyone got experience with it? My substrate is Fluval Stratum, and I've got a Nicrew light running 8 hours a day. Not sure if it's gonna spread well or just melt on me.

Dwarf hairgrass can be tricky but rewarding. I've had success with it in my 30 gallon, same substrate as yours. Key is high light and CO2. Without CO2, it'll grow slower but can still carpet if you're patient. What's your nitrate level at?

Mine just turned brown and died. No idea why, maybe the light wasn't strong enough. Gonna try again with a better setup.

Swiftsea wrote: ↑Sat May 03, 2025 1:49 am Dwarf hairgrass can be tricky but rewarding. I've had success with it in my 30 gallon, same substrate as yours. Key is high light and CO2. Without CO2, it'll grow slower but can still carpet if you're patient. What's your nitrate level at?

Yep, CO2 is a game changer. I run mine at 20 ppm and it's spreading like crazy. Also, trim it low to encourage lateral growth.

Mine's kinda just chilling, not really spreading but not dying either. Weird vibe. Maybe I need to mess with the ferts.

Dwarf hairgrass thrives in high light and nutrient-rich substrates. If you're not seeing growth, check your phosphate levels. I've found that a balanced fertilizer regimen helps. Also, ensure your light spectrum is suitable for carpeting plants.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna test my nitrates and maybe invest in a CO2 setup. Appreciate the help.

roadside wrote: ↑Sat May 03, 2025 8:30 am Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna test my nitrates and maybe invest in a CO2 setup. Appreciate the help.

No problem. Let us know how it goes. CO2 can be sketchy at first but worth it in the long run.

Yeah, I'll probably grab a CO2 kit too. This thread convinced me.

Just don't cheap out on the CO2 regulator. Learned that the hard way.