Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've been thinking about adding some carpeting plants to my 20 gallon tank. Anyone got experience with Monte Carlo or Dwarf Hairgrass? My substrate is Fluval Stratum, and I've got a Nicrew light running 8 hours a day.

Monte Carlo is a solid choice for beginners. It's less finicky than Dwarf Hairgrass. I've grown it in Stratum with similar lighting, just make sure you've got enough CO2 or it'll take forever to spread.

Yep, Monte Carlo is chill. I've got it in my 10 gallon with no CO2, just Seachem Excel. Took a few months to carpet, but it's worth the wait. Dwarf Hairgrass is sketchy without CO2 though.

I tried Dwarf Hairgrass in my 30 gallon with ADA Amazonia and high light. It melted at first but bounced back after a month. CO2 is pretty much mandatory for it to look good.

Furry wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:18 am Yep, Monte Carlo is chill. I've got it in my 10 gallon with no CO2, just Seachem Excel. Took a few months to carpet, but it's worth the wait. Dwarf Hairgrass is sketchy without CO2 though.

I agree, Excel can help but it's not a full substitute. I've had better luck with Monte Carlo in low-tech setups too.

My Monte Carlo keeps floating up. I've got it planted deep in Stratum but it won't stay put. Any tips?

Try using tweezers to plant smaller clumps deeper. Also, reduce water flow temporarily so the roots can establish. I've had the same issue, and this worked for me.

Dwarf Hairgrass is a pain without CO2. I gave up and switched to Monte Carlo. Way easier to manage, and it looks just as good once it fills in.

I've got a mix of Monte Carlo and Glossostigma in my 15 gallon. The Glosso grows faster but requires more trimming. Both are doing well with DIY CO2 and a Finnex light.

My carpeting plants never work out. Maybe I need better lights.