anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?

[dorvik]

Has anyone here tried growing Monte Carlo as a carpeting plant? I've got a 20 gallon tank with CO2 injection and high light, but it's not spreading like I expected. Substrate is ADA Amazonia, and I dose EI ferts weekly.

[flamzo]

Yep, I've had success with Monte Carlo in my 15 gallon. It took about 3 weeks to really take off. What's your lighting schedule? Mine's on for 8 hours a day, and I keep the CO2 around 30 ppm.

[tuner8]

Yep, I've had success with Monte Carlo in my 15 gallon. It took about 3 weeks to really take off. What's your lighting schedule? Mine's on for 8 hours a day, and I keep the CO2 around 30 ppm.

That's solid advice. I'd also check your water params. Monte Carlo can be finicky if nitrates are too low. Mine thrives at 10-20 ppm NO3.

[deepsea_lake]

I've tried it in a low-tech setup, and it was a struggle. Ended up switching to dwarf hairgrass. If you're committed to Monte Carlo, CO2 is pretty much a must.

[coppertown]

Monte Carlo's a beast if you give it what it wants. I've got it carpeting my 40 breeder with a Finnex Planted+ light and DIY CO2. It's not as fast as with pressurized, but it's getting there. How often are you trimming?

[forest]

Monte Carlo's a beast if you give it what it wants. I've got it carpeting my 40 breeder with a Finnex Planted+ light and DIY CO2. It's not as fast as with pressurized, but it's getting there. How often are you trimming?

I agree. Regular trimming helps it spread laterally. I trim mine every 2 weeks, and it's thickened up nicely.

[dorvik]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll adjust my lighting and check nitrates. Appreciate the help!

[zurixi]

No problem. Let us know how it goes. Monte Carlo can be tricky, but once it settles in, it's gorgeous.

[daxlio]

I'm thinking of trying Monte Carlo in my next scape. Any tips for a beginner? I've got a 10 gallon with medium light and no CO2.

[flamzo]

I'm thinking of trying Monte Carlo in my next scape. Any tips for a beginner? I've got a 10 gallon with medium light and no CO2.

Honestly, it's gonna be tough without CO2. You might wanna start with something easier like Marsilea hirsuta.