4 Tank Setting Tips to Help Dwarf Hairgrass to Live Longer

Dwarf Hairgrass is one of the most popular aquatic plants, but aquarists often face the problem of discoloration of the leaves or unhealthy appearance of the plant. You should know that the causes of such problems can be found at the grass-root level.

Yes, the plant is itself not that bad or unhealthy, but some mistakes during the tank set-up can make this aquatic plant unhealthy. Consuming the discolored leaves can be harmful to your fish.

That is why we have listed a few tips which you can follow to set-up the tank, so that Dwarf Hairgrass and fish, both can stay healthily. Continue reading and apply these tips:

Tips To Select Aquarium Size

You actually do not need to put any special efforts to select the size of the tank if you plan to plant Dwarf Hairgrass in it. From a 10-gallon tank to the bigger ones, there will not be any issues for this aquatic plant.

However, you will need to consider the free space to allow the fish to swim. Dwarf Hairgrass needs sufficient area to stay and grow healthily. Fish will also need space to continue daily activities. So, you will either need to compromise the number of fish or skip the plant for the mini-tanks.

Tips to Select Aquarium Décor

Dwarf Hairgrass is a fast-growing plant, and it will cover the bottom areas very soon. So, it will be better not to make the aquarium more congested with the aquarium decorations like a log, driftwood, or other objects, especially when you owe a small tank.

We know that it’s difficult to control ourselves from placing the cute décors in our aquarium. But the downside is these objects will hinder the plant to grow independently. At the same time, too many decorations will shorten the space of swim for the fish.

Tips to Select Substrates

If your goal is to make a carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass, selecting the sandy substrate will be the best option. Gravel substrate will be a big NO for this plant, but extremely small gravels will be alright here.

The substrate has to be multi-layered – approximately a bed of 1.5” substrate will be good to support the root of this plant. You can combine sand with soil substrate to supply rich nutrients to the plant.  

You will need to select the fish which have the same requirement of the substrate. Not only that, the fish you are choosing must not be a hole-digger as it will harm the roots of the plant and result in discoloration or rotting of leaves.

Tips to Select Aquarium lights

We all know that plants will need lights to grow. In nature, it gets sunlight, which promotes the growth of Dwarf Hairgrass. However, in an aquarium, you need to be selective for aquarium lights.

If you tend to select the extremely mild lights so that the fish can look magnificent, you are probably making a mistake. Another factor which you probably know is photosynthesis occurs during lights, and lack of photosynthesis is a reason behind the dull looks of the plant.

In order to supply an ample amount of lights, you can install LED lights. Don’t worry! Your fish will look stunning in this. Also, remember to turn off the lights for a few hours to control algae growth.

Why Concern is Important over Dwarf Hairgrass’ Health?

You cannot deny that at the time of tank set-up, your primary concern is to set-up the tank as per the requirements of the fish. Well, there is nothing wrong with it – tank requirement of the fish should be prioritized, but requirements of the plant (or specifically Dwarf Hairgrass) have to be the next priority.

The environment of the aquarium and the health of your fish depend much on the health of aquatic plants. If your plants are not getting sufficient minerals and it results in discoloration, you can be sure that it will affect the fish in the upcoming days.

End Words

So, now you know that the discolored leaves are an indication that there is something wrong in the tank or water, and you need to do something to save the fish and plant. By following the tips during tank set-up, you are not only helping the Dwarf Hairgrass to stay green but also, you are indirectly helping your aquatic buddies to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Along with the tank set-up tips, you will need to be careful about the plant too. Timely trimming and proper maintenance will help you to make a green carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass. It will provide a nature-like feel to your fish where they can continue their sports.