Eleocharis acicularis (Mini Hairgrass)

Eleocharis acicularis is a popular foreground plant known for its fine, grass-like appearance. It is widely used in aquascaping to create a lush, carpeted effect in aquariums. Here's how to care for Eleocharis acicularis in your tank:

Lighting

• Moderate to High Lighting: Mini Hairgrass requires moderate to high lighting to grow well and spread. Low light may cause slower growth and reduced carpeting ability.
• Light Duration: A photoperiod of 8-10 hours per day is ideal to ensure healthy growth.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18-28°C. It’s quite adaptable to a range of temperatures but grows best in the mid-20s (degrees celsius).
• pH: 6.5 to 8.0. Slightly acidic to neutral water is preferred.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-10 dGH) is optimal, but it can tolerate a range of hardness levels.

Substrate

• Fine-Grained Substrate: Eleocharis acicularis benefits from a fine-grained substrate like sand or aquasoil to allow its delicate roots to spread. The plant grows through runners, so a nutrient-rich substrate will help it thrive.
• Root Tabs: If using an inert substrate like sand, consider adding root tabs for additional nutrients.

CO2 and Fertilization

• CO2: CO2 injection is not absolutely necessary, but it will significantly enhance the growth rate and promote a denser carpet. Without CO2, growth will be slower.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers, especially those rich in nitrogen and micronutrients, will ensure healthier, faster growth. A balanced nutrient regime will help avoid nutrient deficiencies that could stunt growth.

Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Under optimal conditions, Eleocharis acicularis grows relatively quickly and spreads via runners, forming a thick carpet over time.
• Pruning: To maintain its compact appearance, occasional trimming is necessary. Use sharp scissors to cut the grass evenly, encouraging new growth and keeping the carpet dense.

Planting and Propagation

• Planting: When planting, divide the plant into small clumps of about 1-2 cm (0.5 inches) and plant them spaced about 1-2 cm apart. This spacing allows the runners to spread out and create an even carpet.
• Propagation: Mini Hairgrass propagates by sending out runners, which grow into new plants. These runners can be trimmed and replanted, or allowed to spread naturally.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Good Water Flow: Moderate water flow is beneficial for Eleocharis acicularis as it helps prevent debris from settling on the fine leaves, keeping them clean and promoting healthy growth.

Algae Control

• Algae Prevention: Mini Hairgrass is susceptible to algae buildup on its fine leaves if nutrient and light levels are unbalanced. Maintaining good water quality, appropriate lighting, and consistent CO2 and fertilizer dosing will help prevent algae growth. Regular trimming also helps reduce algae.

Aquascaping Use

• Carpeting Plant: Eleocharis acicularis is primarily used as a carpeting plant in aquascapes. It’s perfect for creating a lush, natural-looking "grassy" foreground or for simulating open fields in nature-themed layouts.

Tank Size

• Versatile: While it grows best in larger aquariums where it has room to spread, it can also be used in nano tanks for a minimalistic carpeted look.

With the right care, Eleocharis acicularis will form a beautiful, dense carpet that provides a natural, serene feel to your aquarium.

An interesting fact about Eleocharis acicularis is that it has the ability to perform "emersed" and "submersed" growth. In nature, it can grow both underwater (submersed) and above water (emersed) in wetlands or near the edges of pools of water. When grown emersed, it often produces small, inconspicuous flowers, which is rare for most aquarium plants. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for both aquariums and paludariums, as it can thrive in a variety of aquatic environments.