[PasD]

I have a 100gallon nonC02 tank with 2x54 watt T5 lights. I'm looking for something to replace my vallisneria spiralis. I like the tall grassy look but hate the way it spreads so fast. I was thinking of Cyperus helferi but don't know if it will thrive in my tank. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[tazcrash69]

No personal experience with the Cyperus helferi.
I use Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae (may pass as grassy), and Cryptocoryne ciliata (will not pass as Grassy).

Both of these will spread very, very slowly (compared to the vals), and did OK for me with 2 X 55 PC in a 125.

 

[KevinC]

Also Crypt. retrospiralis or Crypt. spiralis. Retro has crinkle-edged leaves, but very grassy in proportion. 24-30+ inches in length. Spiralis is a wider flat leaf - not quite as grassy, but more so than the balansae mentioned in the last post.

 

[PasD]

Thanks for the reply. I actually do have a small group of cryptocoryne balansae in my tank, but they are constantly being overrun by my vals. I find they do grow way too slow in my non co2 tank. I had forgotten about cryptocoryne spiralis and retrospiralis. I may try and find these later. Anyways, anyone have anymore suggestions.

 

[Aquaspot World]

There are quite a few plant options that may pass of as grassy:

1) Sagittaria platyphylla
2) Eleocharis vivipara
3) Echinodorus angustifolius
4) Cyperus helferi

The mentioned list are mostly fast growers and will spread via runners except for the Cyperus helferi, which should not do too poorly in your tank.

You can also try some of the thinner Vallisneria species like the natans.

 

[PasD]

You can also try some of the thinner Vallisneria species like the natans.

Aquaspot, does this species spread slower than the other vallisneria species?

 

[Hoppy]

Narrow leaf Java Fern grew very well and reasonably fast for me. They formed a valisneria like forest of waving leaves.

 

[PasD]

That's a great idea. I've never thought of narrow leaf java fern as a background plant. I may give that a try.

 

[Aquaspot World]

You can also try some of the thinner Vallisneria species like the natans.

Aquaspot, does this species spread slower than the other vallisneria species?

They are easy to grow and can be fast, but they appear to be more graceful looking with their much thinner leaves.

 

[PasD]

They do look very nice, but its ability to spread fast may keep me from trying to find it.