Hairgrass – Pot – Live Aquarium Plant

Introduction

Hairgrass (Eleocharis spp.) is a popular aquatic plant known for its fine, grass-like appearance that forms a beautiful, lush carpet in aquariums. Often used in aquascaping to create a natural look, it is a favorite choice for foreground planting, adding texture and vibrancy to any tank. Available in a convenient pot, Hairgrass is easy to transplant and will quickly establish itself in your aquarium, creating a dense, green lawn. Perfect for both beginning hobbyists and experienced aquascapers, it thrives in tropical freshwater environments.

Origin

Hairgrass is found in temperate regions around the world, particularly in shallow lakes, rivers, and marshes. Species like Eleocharis parvula and Eleocharis acicularis are commonly used in aquariums due to their hardy nature and adaptability to various water conditions.

Scientific Name

Eleocharis spp.

Lighting Requirements

• Moderate to high lighting is ideal for Hairgrass to promote dense growth and vibrant green coloration.
• Low light can cause slower growth and less compact foliage.
• 8-12 hours of light per day is recommended to achieve optimal results.

Care Level

Easy to moderate – Hairgrass is generally an easy plant to care for but can benefit from CO2 supplementation and high lighting for the best carpet formation. While it’s beginner-friendly, achieving a dense carpet requires the right conditions.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 dGH
  Hairgrass grows best in soft to moderately hard water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range.

Placement

• Foreground – Hairgrass is perfect for creating a lush, green carpet in the front of your aquarium.
• It does best in a nutrient-rich substrate where its roots can spread and establish a dense network.

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast – Hairgrass is known for its rapid growth once it is properly established. It spreads through runners, which form a thick carpet over time. Regular trimming helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages more lateral growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO2 supplementation is highly beneficial for promoting dense growth and preventing yellowing leaves.
• Liquid fertilizers containing iron and potassium will support Hairgrass’ growth, especially in tanks with low nutrient levels.
• Root tabs can be added to the substrate to provide additional nutrients to the plant’s roots.

Potential Problems

• Algae growth: Hairgrass is susceptible to algae if nutrient levels are unbalanced or lighting is too intense.
• Yellowing leaves or stunted growth can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron.
• Slow growth can occur if CO2 or lighting levels are insufficient.

Compatible Fishes

• Tetras, Rasboras, and Guppies – Enjoy the lush carpet of Hairgrass as cover.
• Shrimp, particularly Amano and Neocaridina species, love grazing on the biofilm that forms on Hairgrass.
• Corydoras and Loaches enjoy sifting through the dense carpet, making Hairgrass a great addition for these bottom-dwelling species.

Other Suitable Plants

• Cryptocoryne species – Provides a contrast in texture with Hairgrass, adding larger-leaf plants for visual diversity.
• Java Moss – Complements Hairgrass by adding extra green texture and serving as a hiding place for fish and shrimp.
• Anubias species – Adds larger, broader leaves to the aquascape, providing a contrast to the fine texture of Hairgrass.

Tropical or Cold Water?

Tropical. Hairgrass thrives in tropical freshwater aquariums with temperatures between 22-28°C (72-82°F). It is not suitable for cold water tanks.

What Fish Can Eat It?

• Herbivorous fish, such as Goldfish and Plecos, may nibble on Hairgrass but typically don’t harm it significantly.
• Most community fish leave it alone, using it for cover and exploration.

A Fun Fact

Hairgrass is often used in aquascaping competitions to create dense, carpeted lawns due to its natural appearance and ability to form a lush, thick cover in a relatively short time. It’s a favorite for nano tanks and professional aquascapers looking to create a vibrant, green underwater landscape!