Tall dense plants?

MukiTheFish

So I have a

100l tank (26g or so in gallons)

1 light from Ferplast - Freshlife 18wt8 10000K

The tank's been cycled for about 5 months now and we've just upgraded from internal filter to canister filter. Its a Prodac magic filter with 1000l/h.

After rearaging the plants, we now want something tall and dense for the background. I was trhinkin maybe a moss wall, but Java Moss is quite a rarity around here. Valisneria will die off because of the filter flow (been there done that) and even tho I really liked cabomba, it kinda diminished over time (might have something to do with trying to clean it too much cuz stuff kept stickin to it)

Here's a picture of its current state, does anyone have any idea what to put in the back?

SomeDudeAtHome

While I don't really have much to offer towards your question I'm just wondering if you know the name of the plant on the far left of your tank (the shorter dark green one)? I have the same plant and can't find the name anywhere. But, I'm sure someone here will be able to help you because this is an extremely helpful forum.

MukiTheFish

that one is a Cryptocoryne wendtii

Romad

If you point your spray bar towards the water surface, you don't have to worry about the filter flow.

Plus it keeps the surface agitated so you don't get any scum buildup.

Byron

I would suggest moving the spray bar to the end of the tank, on the left side there is fine, so it is along the end wall. Then turn to holes to face the wall. This creates a gentle flow down the wall and across the tank, and it also breaks the surface slightly. You can vary the latter by fiddling with the angle of the holes so it will have more or less surface movement. This positioning of the spray bar will create a slight stream current down the tank, very natural for the fish. Your filter intake is at the opposite end (right side), perfect.

Stem plants wold probably be the best for what you asked, although the light may be an issue. And speaking of light, it may have been part of the issue with the Vall and cabomba. There is not much red in 10000K. You might want to consider a tube around 6500K. You can buy inexpensive ones at hardware stores, Phillips make them (they call it Alto Daylight Deluxe 6500K) and Sylvania too. Just get an 18-inch T8 tube in this and I think you'll like the difference. The fish and plant colours will be natural, and the plants should respond even better.

One good stem plant that manages with moderate light is Brazilian Pennywort; click on the shade name to see its description and photos, in our plant profile section. It would fill in nicely and grows up straight when rooted in the substrate; it also makes an excellent floating plant if allowed to float on the surface.

Byron.

redchigh

Some others that do well in my tanks are ludwigea repens and stargrass.

Have you considered Echinodorus var Vesuvius? I have it and it's lovely.
(Not from my tank, but a good picture. In my tanks, it grows in thick stands)

MyLittlePleco

Might I suggest Elodea Densa as a tall and dense background plant?
I've had reasonable success with them, and each original stem grew new stems after 2 weeks in a low-light tank with no additional CO2. I do add fertilisers daily, though.

To boot, it really is a great looking plant and it is commonly available and cheap where I live (c. 3 euro for a batch of around 8 stems).

Best of luck with your tank.