Help with choosing and installing new carpet

[whiskerboy]

Hey guys,

I've got a question about my tank setup. You can see the left side is pretty bare, with just the big pot and some rocks. I'm thinking of converting it into a basic planted tank, nothing too fancy that requires a lot of light.

I'm planning to start with a carpet of dwarf hair grass. I've seen it sold in small pots, which I assume you just remove and plant in your substrate.

My concern is, I've got large-sized gravel, so I'm not sure how to plant it. Would it work if I put a better planting substrate in a plastic container, drill some holes for the roots, and then bury that in the gravel?

[kingrise]

@TimeLord's got experience with dwarf hairgrass, might be worth hearing her thoughts on this.

[willie32]

Not sure if this is for your Malawi setup, but assuming it's the same tank. If you're set on using gravel, I'd say dwarf hairgrass might not be the best choice. Consider alternatives like Helenthium Tenelum or Lilaeopsis species - they're pretty robust and can handle pushing through gravel. Littorella uniflora's another option, comes in In-Vitro cups. Don't forget to add root tabs to the gravel for the plants.