If you are setting up a new aquarium, it is important to choose the plants you put in very carefully.
Guppy grass is a popular choice among those who keep fish. There are lots of different benefits this grass offers, and you’ll want to learn about each one.
Guppy Grass Care Guide
1. Light Requirements
Anyone who has guppy grass in their aquarium needs to make sure it gets enough light on a daily basis. This type of grass needs a high degree of light if you want it to appear vibrant and bright green. The less light it gets, the duller it will appear. While it can survive in low light, it is not recommended for ideal growth and aesthetic.
Make sure that this plant gets 8-12 hours of light every single day for the best growth results. Keep in mind that an excessively high level of light can actually burn guppy grass. It is important that you find the right balance to keep this plant healthy and looking great.
2. Water Conditions
It is best to keep guppy grass in water that has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, and a hardness rating of 2 to 25 Dkh. The water should be kept at a temperature of 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit—it doesn’t do well in very warm or cold water. This grass isn’t incredibly fragile or delicate, but you will need to keep this information in mind when setting up your aquarium.
Medium water flow is best for this grass, as it encourages normal growth. You also won’t have to worry about any of the grass clogging up your filter, which can cause major problems in your tank. If your fish require fast moving water, this plant is probably not a good choice.
3. Guppy Grass Planting vs. Floating
You will have the option of planting your guppy grass, or simply letting it float. The appearance of the leaves varies depending on how you grow it. This means that the leaves will look different if you plant it versus letting it float.
Because fish don’t tend to feed on this plant, you should be able to let it float without any issues whatsoever. If you decide to plant this grass, you’ll want to keep in mind that it can break up in lots of small pieces. While there is no guarantee that this is going to happen, you are still taking your chances.
4. Fertilization
While it is true that guppy grass doesn’t absolutely need fertilizer to grow strong and healthy, it can certainly benefit from it. A liquid fertilizer is definitely your best option if you decide to do this. There are a number of great liquid fertilizers to choose from, so make sure that you look into your options before making a decision. If you decide to plant this grass, you won’t need any root tabs.
5. Upkeep
One of the things that so many people love about guppy grass is that it doesn’t require much upkeep or maintenance at all. The only possibly issue is that it grows out of control and starts killing other plants in the tank. This is very uncommon, but it is something that could potentially happen.
It is a good idea to trim this grass once every three weeks, or whenever you notice it growing a bit too big. You don’t want your guppy grass to grow so large that it prevents other plants from getting the light they need to survive.
6. Common Issues
You shouldn’t experience many issues with guppy grass at all, provided you do the minimal amount of work that is needed to maintain it. The last thing you want is to neglect this grass and let it grow out of control.
Reasons to Put Guppy Grass in Your Tank
There are quite a few significant benefits that guppy grass offers for those who keep fish in a tank that you should consider.
1. It’s Perfect for Breeding
If you are going to breed shrimp, this plant can help out a lot. It gives the shrimp a place to keep and tend to their eggs until their offspring is born.
2. Increased Oxygen Levels
Another great thing about this grass is that it will oxygenate your tank, which is good for all of your fish.
3. Keep Your Algae Under Control
Guppy grass can also prevent the algae in your aquarium from becoming a real problem. Algae can spread very quickly, so you’ll need all the help you can get with managing it.
4. It Looks Nice
A lot of people put this grass in their aquariums simply because of its beautiful aesthetic. When you provide this plant with enough light, it takes on a gorgeous bright green color.
5. Food for Offspring
If you breed shrimp in your tank, the guppy grass will provide the newborns with nutrient-rich biofilm to eat.
Good fishes with Guppy Grass
The fact is that there are certain types of fish that are better suited than others for a tank with guppy grass in it. Some of these fish include the Green Fire Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio, Amano Shrimp, Blue Velvet Shrimp, and mystery snails. Remember, you should only keep fish that don’t need strong flowing water.
Conclusion
- Guppy grass requires a medium to the high amount of light to truly thrive.
- The more light you provide this plant with, the greener it appears. Too much light can cause it to burn through.
- Make sure that you maintain a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, and a medium water flow. This grass will easily break apart if the flow is too strong.
- You can either plant this grass or allow it to float. Most people choose to float it, as planting can be somewhat tricky.
- Fertilization is not necessary for these plants, but a good liquid fertilizer can encourage growth.
- This plant doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but you will need to trim it once in a while. This is usually necessary every three weeks.
- One of the only real possible issues with this grass is that it takes over and kills other plants in your tank. This is really only possible if you don’t maintain it at all.
- Some of the best tank mates for this grass include the Blue Velvet Shrimp and Green Fire Tetra.
- This grass can oxygenate your tank, and it is perfect if you are going to breed shrimp.
