Thanks, guys!
jay said:
Did you plant the HC by stem?
Yes mate. I only used 3 pots of Tropica HC and 1 pot of hairgrass. It took around 3 weeks to get 100% coverage. And that's with 2 x T5 and 6 hour photoperiod.
As usual, initially I found the individual HC stems growing upward. I let them do this for a few days, then prune them back to near the substrate, re-planting any areas I feel need it. It then carpets much better, tighter and faster.
I am now pruning the entire lawn every week to keep it in shape. I can honestly say it's the healthiest planting I've ever seen in any of my tanks.
Most visitors don't believe it is real, until they see the oxygen bubbles. I love seeing their reaction!
An affluent friend of mine originally asked me and Jeremy to set up a 10 foot reef. Now she wants a 10 foot Iwagumi instead!
Happy times.
Thanks again for all the nice feedback.