Carpet plant for non co2 discus tank

[Chezz]

I am planning my new discus tank and am trying to decide on a carpet plant to use. After researching it seems Pygmy Chain Sword or Dwarf Hairgrass seem to be the go. Which one do you think would be better? Or any suggestions on other carpet type plants that would be suitable? I will not be using c02.

Thanks,

Chezz

[ILLUSN]

hairgrass wont like discus temps.
pigmy cahin is good but it will take a long time for it to grow thick without CO2.
lilliopsis will work ok but grow slow, if you keep the light up it will stay short but too much light will cause algae issues.

for the money a preassure CO2 kit with PH controller will do you the world of good, if you shop on ebay you can put together a nice package for under $300, chump change when compared t the price of decent discus. concider CO@ you could then grow tennicallis, lilliopsis of even glosso as a carpet and not have constant algae problems, plus discus like the low Ph.

[swampy1972]

I've successfully grown Glosso many times in the most basic of tank setups without any special equipment. That would be my choice.

It's also a lot easier to control than the other 2 options (grown them both) when it does start to spread.

Unless you want to go all out on a planted tank I wouldn't bother with Co2 - more trouble and money than it's worth if the plants are not the focus of the tank..

Do a search for "Discus Plants" and you'll find several sites that offer a well detailed list of species that will both tolerate and thrive under the conditions, and ALL will happily grow without Co2.

[Chezz]

Thanks guys, this is my first planted tank so will give it a crack for without c02 for now anyway. Oooooh I thought c02 was a must for Glosso, I would love to grow that!

[Chezz]

Or what about marsilea spp as a carpet? Can that be grown without c02 sucessfully, in a discus tank? The more I research the more confused I get :lol: