Types of Plants for Foreground & Background

**nohomeleave** · 14th Apr 2010, 00:16

I would like to attempt to grow some sort of low growing plants for the foreground of my 1 foot tank and a little grasslike plants for the background. I won't be using CO2. Temperature is around 29 -30 degress Celsius (without use of a fan) and lights aren't too bright. Planning to keep a small school of Neon Tetras in the same tank.

Not sure what kind of plants would be suitable with the kind of limitations stated. Heard of HC and Java Moss but not sure if they would thrive under these conditions.

For background plants, heard of Dwarf Hairgrass but again, don't know if they will thrive under these conditions.

Anyone with advice? Much appreciated!

**timebomb** · 14th Apr 2010, 17:03

If you are not using CO2 and your temperature is around 29 to 30 C, it's highly unlikely you can grow either HC or Hairgrass successfully. You may succeed with Java Moss which does not need a lot of light. You would do better though if you install a fan and keep your temperature at about 28 C.

Loh K L

**biscuit** · 15th Apr 2010, 11:07

Can I ask why hairgrass cannot grow in a non co2 and temperature around that range? I thought hairgrass is quite low requirement?

**timebomb** · 15th Apr 2010, 18:14

Originally Posted by biscuit

Can I ask why hairgrass cannot grow in a non co2 and temperature around that range? I thought hairgrass is quite low requirement?

You can grow many plants without CO2 injection and at high temperatures. But under such conditions, most plants would just barely survive. As hobbyists, we want the plants to thrive. If you noticed, I did not say that one cannot grow Hairgrass without CO2 injection and high temperatures. What I said was one is unlikely to grow it successfully. We have different standards for "success", of course. Some would be happy if the plants can just stay alive but for most of us, we won't be happy unless the plants are thriving.

Loh K L

**biscuit** · 15th Apr 2010, 19:06

Ok i understand. My tank is in my room and its like trapping heat probably due to a wall blocking my door and the air cant flow smoothly LOL (my thinking)
and therefore causing my room to be quite warm even in the night. my water temperature is 29. thats quite sad. if i set a chiller in my room.. i think its going to be a oven. i do have a fan. what can i do? =/

**timebomb** · 16th Apr 2010, 17:00

What sort of fan are you using?

Many fish shops sell cooling fans that can be attached to the side of a fish tank. The fan blows directly down into the water. Leave it on 24 hours a day and your temperature won't go above 28 C. You will have to deal with the evaporation though.

Loh K L

**biscuit** · 16th Apr 2010, 17:10

i am using a clip on fan bought from c328. almost 20cm in length.. yeah i got a problem with the evaporation but my temperature will still rise up to 29-30 range.. is my room temperature too hot. my aircon controller always shows 34-35 range.. crazily hot. probably due to a wall blocking my door trapping the heat in my room

**nohomeleave** · 16th Apr 2010, 23:23

Just to check if I got it right; If I managed to keep temperatures to 28C, I could keep HC? Any other recommendations for plants to grow in the foreground if temperatures still hover around 30C?

**nohomeleave** · 28th Apr 2010, 10:24

Well, I added a fan (Dymax or something like that) and it brought the temperatures down to between 25-28C (depending on ambient room temperature). I add CO2 tablets (Ocean Free brand) on alternate days. Tired a DIY CO2 concoction and just waiting.....