half sand half grass

[uberunce]

i had an idea for a planted tank. basicly i would like to have it half sand half grass, ex. left side sand, right side grass. i was thinking for grass i would use riccia fluitans sandwiched between the mesh from a luffa, weighed down by rocks underneath.

a problem i think i might have is that i intend for the tank to be for fw shrimp, and im afraid they may get under the riccia and hide all day. i dont intend on having any sand under the riccia as it may be a waste of sand since the plant doesnt need substrate.

what would be the best way to avoid gaps at the transitions of sand and grass? also the edges around the grass at the tank walls?

 

[schaadrak]

The best way that I can think of is to to make you mesh a few inches larger than the area you want your ric to cover and then bury the over hanging parts in the substrate.

 

[paulz01]

That's a great idea there, will the plants grow on sand though? I've never tried that

 

[uberunce]

well im going for low light plants and ive read that sand is great for most plants.

 

[Bk828]

not sure if riccia will be a good choice for a low light tank. It thrives best at 2+wpg. How low is the lighting you are going with exactly?? for a "grass" side you can try perhaps dwarf hairgrass or even dwarf clover.