what's the downside to using e. parvula as carpet plant?

[jarthel]

1. needs trimming regularly? (how often in a high-tech tank?)
2. would overrun the tank unless barriers are used?

anything else?

Thank you

 

[Steve Smith]

It can get quite intertwined with itself, and then start growing ontop of itself. Thinning it out can help, but then that's quite difficult too as it forms long chains of plantlets which you have to be carful of when pulling it out (otherwise you end up in a bigger mess!).

 

[Themuleous]

I've just used this in my work tank, on the basis that it shouldn't need as much maintenance as HC.

Does anyone know if once its formed a mat, it breaks loose from the substrate and floats off in a mat like HC?

Sam

 

[Garuf]

Nope, but it can choke itself out of flow and light at the base and then you get a lot of die off all at once and associated algae. It's much more long term but it still needs to be trimmed/groomed regularly.

 

[Dave Spencer]

Sam, it should stay well anchored by its root structure.

Like any plant that sends out runners, you have to keep on top of it with scissors. I am just about to use E parvula for the second time.

Dave.

 

[Themuleous]

Ta.