Monte Carlo (Easiest)
Micranthemum tweediei. Round 3-5mm leaves. Spreads horizontally from runners. Tolerates medium light and CO2.
Ideal for beginners. 100 PAR at substrate enough. Propagates fast.
HC Cuba (Smallest)
Hemianthus callitrichoides. Tiny 2mm leaves. Creates the densest fine carpet. Requires high light and CO2.
Dry-start method works best for initial establishment. Demanding but stunning results.
Dwarf Hairgrass (Grass-Like)
Eleocharis parvula or mini. Grass-blade shape. Creates field or meadow look. Medium-high light required.
Spreads via runners. Trim occasionally to maintain carpet height.
Glosso and Alternative Carpets
Glossostigma — classic grass-like, emerges up if light too low. Sagittaria subulata — taller grass carpet. Lilaeopsis — fine grass variant.
Match carpet to tank goals: dense meadow (HC), grass field (hairgrass), rolling hills (Monte Carlo).