If you want to make a great habitat for your bottom-dwelling fish and shrimp or create a stunning aquascape, then aquarium carpet plants are the perfect choice. They provide shelter from larger tank mates and create a striking appearance at the front of your tank. At Modern Aquarium, we offer a number of carpet aquatic plants that grow quickly to cover the bottom of your aquarium.
It is possible to grow carpeting and foreground aquarium plants without the use of CO2. But you’ll need to create a healthy environment by providing them with nutrient-rich substrate, adequate lighting, and regular water changes. Just keep in mind that your plants will likely grow much slower, and may not be as dense as they’d be with CO2.
Carpet aquatic plants can spread under the right conditions. You can encourage spread by providing great lighting (it’s crucial for photosynthesis!) and using a nutrient-rich substrate. Be patient! Some species may spread quickly, while others need a little more time and care to thrive.
It varies depending on factors like the plant’s species and your tank setup. But it’ll generally take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your carpeting aquatic plants to grow.
You have a few great options! Java moss is a popular and versatile plant, known for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and without the need for CO2 supplementation. It also adds aesthetic appeal to your tank. Dwarf sagittaria and Cryptocoryne wendtii are two other easy-care aquarium carpet plants that are suited for low-light conditions.