Fuzzy Stem Plants for Low Tech Tank

[RadMax8]

Hello all,

I've got a nicely stocked, medium planted tank with a Finnex Stingray where I keep mostly lower light plants. I've recently done some rescaping in there, and I want to have the left-hand corner where shrimp (and maybe even CPD) fry can hide and survive without the plants getting out of control. I'd like to have something with fine leaves that I can plant in the substrate. Is something like Green Cabomba a good option for this? I've tried Hornwort, but I don't care for it's affinity for floating and taking over the tank. 

Let me know what you all think! Thanks!

[Zenzo]

Mayaca Fluviatilis could look good, and it offers cover for fry. 

[carefulest]

Looks amazing. Cabomba in the past was considered to be somewhat difficult; it's fallen out of favor now. The replacement is Limnophila sessiliflora which is supposed to be extremely easy. I've never used it so this is not from first-hand experience.

EDIT: perhaps a bit too easy, as it's illegal in California where I live. I'm not sure if it's available for you.

Edited October 7, 2021 by carefulest

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

I run low tech and have had luck with Ludwigia Red Needle leaf. It grows pretty fast and I've been able to cut and re-propogate several stems. It stays pretty green in my tank. 

[RadMax8]

On 10/7/2021 at 7:21 PM, carefulest said:

EDIT: perhaps a bit too easy, as it's illegal in California where I live. I'm not sure if it's available for you.

Took a quick look around, looks like it’s frowned upon in a lot of warm-weather states. Nothing about Ohio, so we may have a contender… if I can find it anywhere!

On 10/7/2021 at 3:07 PM, Zenzo said:

Mayaca Fluviatilis could look good, and it offers cover for fry. 

Thanks for the suggestion, that’s a good one to think about as well! Now to check the co-op!

[Patrick_G]

I’ll second the Mayaca Fluviatilis. It’s easy and fast growing but doesn’t spread unless you intentionally plant the trimmings. 

[Torrey]

Pretty sure this is milfoil.

 

Not 100% positive, though.

It grows as leggy as the top image under incredibly dim lighting, 

Or it grows super compact with brighter lights, and is a fry haven.

It does require periodic trims, and is easy to root the cuttings.

It seems to feed equally well from the substrate or the water column, and under bright, BRIGHT lights, the needle leaves will take on a bronzy red color.

 

 

[Mmiller2001]

You might have luck with myrio guyana mini and myriophyllum aquaticum.

[Waka88]

I'm gonna try to find me some Hornwort locally if I can.

Think that plant matches your description.

[Torrey]

On 10/9/2021 at 8:15 PM, Waka88 said:

I'm gonna try to find me some Hornwort locally if I can.

Think that plant matches your description.

Milfoil is on the left, with stems in the substrate. 

Hornwort is on the right, if you put the stems in the substrate it dies. It's a floating plant.