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anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 2:33 pm
by 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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 2:42 pm
by 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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 4:21 pm
by tuner8
flamzo wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 2:42 pm
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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 4:29 pm
by 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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 5:48 pm
by 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?
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 6:50 pm
by forest
coppertown wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 5:48 pm
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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 7:45 pm
by dorvik
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll adjust my lighting and check nitrates. Appreciate the help!
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 9:43 pm
by zurixi
No problem. Let us know how it goes. Monte Carlo can be tricky, but once it settles in, it's gorgeous.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 10:05 pm
by 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.
Re: anyone tried monte carlo carpeting?
Posted: Sat May 31, 2025 10:45 pm
by flamzo
daxlio wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 10:05 pm
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.