Belem Hairgrass

Eleocharis sp. Mini

📍 South America

Belem Hairgrass is a dwarf variant of Eleocharis that forms a fine, delicate carpet of thin, hair-like green leaves. This slow-growing foreground plant creates a natural meadow appearance and is ideal for nano and small aquariums. It requires moderate lighting and benefits from nutrient-rich substrate and occasional CO2 supplementation.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae grazer; will not uproot or damage delicate hairgrass

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small and non-destructive; ideal for planted nano tanks with hairgrass carpets

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae eater that grazes without disturbing substrate or plants

good

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage fine hairgrass

excellent

Common Diseases

Melt on Transition

Symptoms

Leaves turn translucent, mushy, or dissolve shortly after planting; plant appears to shrivel

Treatment

Ensure gradual acclimation to new water parameters; maintain stable temperature and pH; increase water circulation; trim affected portions and allow new growth

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale coloration of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth

Treatment

Dose with liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times weekly; ensure adequate lighting; add macronutrient fertilizer if nitrogen is low

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating fine hairgrass blades; plant appears dull or covered

Treatment

Increase water circulation and reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours; perform 30-50% water change; add algae-eating shrimp or fish; reduce excess nutrients

Stunted Growth / Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Minimal new growth; leaves remain small and pale; plant fails to spread

Treatment

Verify substrate contains nutrients or add root tabs; dose with all-in-one fertilizer; increase CO2 to 20-30 ppm; ensure medium to high lighting; check water parameters for ammonia/nitrite

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Quick Facts

co2: recommended
lighting: medium
placement: foreground
substrate: Root feeder; requires nutrient-rich aquasoil or gravel with fertilizer tabs; benefits from iron and macronutrient supplementation
growth rate: slow