Ever looked at an aquarium with a green, grassy floor and thought, “Wow, that’s awesome!”? That’s the magic of carpet plants. They grow low and wide, covering the bottom of the tank like a little underwater lawn. Two of the most popular carpet plants are Micro Sword and Dwarf Hairgrass. But which one should you choose?
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What Is Micro Sword?
Micro Sword, also known as Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, looks like tiny green swords popping out of the ground. It grows about 2 to 5 inches tall and spreads across the tank floor slowly. It’s perfect for people who want a low, tidy plant that doesn’t take over too fast.
What Is Dwarf Hairgrass?
Dwarf Hairgrass, or Eleocharis parvula, looks like fine underwater grass. It’s soft, wavy, and gives tanks that “natural meadow” look. It can grow 3 to 6 inches tall and spreads faster than Micro Sword when conditions are right.
Growth Speed: Fast vs Steady
Dwarf Hairgrass spreads quickly in the right setup—if it has good lighting, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nutrients, it can carpet a tank in just a few months.
Micro Sword takes its time. It grows more slowly but steadily. If you’re not in a rush and want a plant that won’t get out of hand, this is a great pick.
Light and CO₂ Needs
Dwarf Hairgrass loves light. Lots of it. And it really benefits from added CO₂. Without those, it can get patchy, tall, or even melt.
Micro Sword is more chill. It doesn’t need strong light or CO₂ to survive, though it will grow better if it has them. It’s a better option for low-tech tanks or beginners.
Substrate and Rooting
Both plants like fine, nutrient-rich substrates. Hairgrass prefers sand or aqua soil that’s soft enough for its thin roots. Micro Sword can handle coarser gravel but loves root tabs for extra nutrients.
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Maintenance
Dwarf Hairgrass needs more upkeep. You’ll have to trim it often or it’ll get tall and messy. Also, it can trap gunk underneath, which leads to algae if you’re not careful.
Micro Sword is easier. It grows slower and lower, so you don’t need to trim it as much. And it doesn’t hold as much debris, so your tank stays cleaner longer.
Looks and Style
- Hairgrass gives you a wild, natural feel—like a meadow under water. Great for tanks with shrimp or tiny fish.
- Micro Sword looks more like a trimmed lawn—neat, uniform, and clean. Perfect if you like a tidy scape.
Tank Mates
Both plants are safe for fish, shrimp, and snails. But if you’ve got fish that like to dig—like goldfish or cichlids—hairgrass might get pulled up. Micro Sword has a firmer grip in gravel and won’t float away as easily.
What People Say
Here’s what aquarium hobbyists often say:
- “Hairgrass grows fast, but it’s a pain to trim.”
- “Micro Sword is slow, but I love the clean look.”
- “Hairgrass melted in my low-tech tank. Micro Sword did fine.”
- “With good light and CO₂, Hairgrass is unbeatable.”
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Micro Sword | Dwarf Hairgrass |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Neat, lawn-like | Wavy, natural |
| Height | 2–5 inches | 3–6 inches |
| Growth Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Light Needed | Medium | High |
| Needs CO₂? | Optional | Helpful |
| Best For | Low-tech tanks | High-tech tanks |
Which Should You Pick?
Pick Micro Sword if:
- You want an easy plant that won’t need trimming every week.
- Your tank doesn’t have CO₂ or strong lighting.
- You love a clean, neat layout.
Pick Dwarf Hairgrass if:
- You’ve got high lighting and CO₂ setup.
- You want fast carpet growth.
- You like a natural, meadow-like style.
Final Thoughts
Micro Sword and Dwarf Hairgrass are both great. They just do things differently. Micro Sword is the quiet, easy-going plant that takes its time. Dwarf Hairgrass is the fast-spreading, high-maintenance superstar. Think about your setup, your patience, and your goals—and you’ll know which one’s right for you.
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