DIFFICULTY Easy

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Very Fast

Weekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Guppy Grass

A fast, rootless tangle plant that's superb fry and shrimp cover.

Guppy Grass is a rootless, extremely fast-growing tangle of fine stems that floats or loosely anchors anywhere. It's a top choice for fry and shrimp cover and for soaking up nutrients during algae outbreaks, needing no CO2 and little care beyond occasional thinning.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable Fry cover
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementBackground
Typical height6–20 in
Typical width4 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height12 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range8–11 hr
Approx. PAR20–55
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitLow
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingVery Low
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F
pH6–7.8
GH2–18 dGH
KH1–15 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: None needed — floats or loosely roots

Let it float or wedge into substrate; grows explosively and can be thinned by hand.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Colors up as it converts to submersed growth under good light.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Stays green and leggy in low light; needs iron and light for red tones.