Hairgrass Vase Urn – Live Aquarium Plant

Introduction

The Hairgrass Vase Urn is a unique and stylish way to incorporate live aquatic plants into your aquarium. Featuring lush, green hairgrass arranged in a beautifully crafted vase-like urn, this plant setup adds a natural, elegant touch to any aquascape. Its soft, carpet-like growth creates a natural underwater meadow, providing a perfect habitat for fish and shrimp.

Origin

Hairgrass species are native to various freshwater environments worldwide, commonly found in shallow rivers, lakes, and marshes.

Scientific Name

Commonly includes species like:

• Eleocharis acicularis
• Eleocharis parvula

Lighting Requirements

• Moderate to high lighting is ideal for healthy, dense growth.
• Low lighting may result in thin, slow-growing blades.
• 8-12 hours of light per day is recommended.

Care Level

Easy to moderate – While Hairgrass is relatively hardy, it thrives best with proper lighting, nutrients, and CO2 supplementation.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 dGH
  Hairgrass prefers soft to moderately hard water with stable conditions for optimal growth.

Placement

• Foreground – Hairgrass is ideal for creating a lush carpet in aquariums.
• The vase urn provides a decorative and pre-planted setup, making it easy to place in the desired location.

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast – Under the right conditions, Hairgrass spreads quickly through runners, forming a dense carpet over time.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO2 injection is highly recommended for faster, healthier growth.
• Liquid fertilizers and root tabs help provide essential nutrients for vibrant green coloration and strong root development.

Potential Problems

• Algae growth: Can occur if lighting is too strong without proper nutrient balance.
• Yellowing or slow growth: Indicates a lack of nutrients or CO2.
• Melting: Can happen when first introduced but will recover with time.

Compatible Fishes

• Tetras, Guppies, and Rasboras – Enjoy swimming over the soft carpet.
• Shrimp and Snails – Love grazing on the biofilm that forms on the grass.
• Corydoras and Loaches – Like to burrow and sift through the substrate.

Other Suitable Plants

• Monte Carlo – Creates a similar carpet effect with slightly different texture.
• Dwarf Sagittaria – Another foreground plant that blends well.
• Anubias Nana Petite – Adds a contrasting bushy look.

Tropical or Cold Water?

Tropical. Best suited for warm freshwater aquariums with consistent temperatures.

What Fish Can Eat It?

• Goldfish, Plecos, and some Cichlids may nibble on Hairgrass.
• Most community fish do not eat it and prefer using it for shelter.

A Fun Fact

Hairgrass can grow emersed (above water) in humid environments, making it a popular choice for paludariums and terrariums as well!