Ground Covering Plants

[loomis]

I have a 4 x 2 x 2 tank with sand as the substrate, so when I try and get a half decent current flow across the bottom (to help stir up the junk) the sand gets moved around and it just doesnt go to plan.

So maybe a ground covering plant would help, as the way I am looking at it is the same way to prevent land erosion...the plants would help keep the sand together and then a current flow could be introduced.

So any ideas on a ground covering plant, that doesnt require mowing all that often?

I have read the thread about hairgrass, but it seems to require a lot of maintanance to get it right. Is there anything a little easier to deal with that what do the job? Admittingly I know little about the proper names for plants and so on, so as much info you could give would be appreciated.

I do like the look of the hairgrass, as that would move around in the current too....wouldnt it?

[volenti]

If you already have a problem with crud building up on the sand all a ground cover will do is collect it far more effectively, a current sufficient to clear the crud out of a ground cover will tear/erode out the cover it's self, especially in sand.

Plus you are looking at 2-3months at least of completely undisturbed growth under optimum conditions to grow and establish a carpet (my hairgrass tank is ~3 months old)

Unfortunatly sand (especially the very fine white play sand) needs high maintenence to keep it looking good, sometimes there just aren't any shortcuts.

What fish do you have in this tank?

[Woodsy]

And lighting?

[aquafarian]

What about some lilaeopsis (http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/buy/plants/lilaeopsis) it does not grow very tall but covers the substrate. Once established it will hold the aquarium floor together quite well.

[dearis]

Or amazon chain sword, tough and with good lighting will grow nicely