Live Plants & Neutrients

🌱 Hemianthus callitrichoides (HC Cuba) Pre‑Grown Mat 15x10cm

✨ Description
Hemianthus callitrichoides, widely known as HC Cuba, is one of the smallest and most sought‑after carpeting plants in aquascaping. The pre‑grown mat format gives you an instant, established carpet that roots quickly and minimizes the usual melting or slow start associated with loose HC.

This mat features:
– Tiny, round leaves that form a dense, vibrant green carpet
– Ultra‑compact growth ideal for nano tanks and Iwagumi layouts
– A fully rooted structure that transitions smoothly into your substrate
– Safe for shrimp, snails, and all freshwater fish
– A clean, professional look right from day one

Perfect for aquascapers who want a fast, lush foreground without the hassle of planting individual stems.

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💧 Care Requirements

💡 Light
– Requires medium to high light for tight, low growth.
– Insufficient light causes upward growth and thinning.

🌿 CO₂ & Nutrients
– CO₂ injection is highly recommended for healthy, compact carpeting.
– Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
– Regular liquid fertilization supports vibrant color and fast spreading.

🌱 Planting the Pre‑Grown Mat
– Place the mat directly on the substrate.
– You can keep it whole for instant coverage or cut into smaller squares to encourage faster lateral spread.
– Press gently so roots contact the substrate, but avoid burying the leaves.

💧 Water Parameters
– Temperature: 20–28°C
– pH: 5.5–7.5
– Soft to medium-hard water
– Stable parameters help the mat root quickly and prevent melt.

🌬️ Flow & Maintenance
– Gentle to moderate flow prevents debris buildup.
– Trim regularly to maintain a low, carpet-like appearance.
– Remove any yellowing or melting sections early to keep the carpet dense.

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🐠 Ideal For
– Iwagumi and nature-style aquascapes
– Nano tanks
– Foreground carpets
– High-tech planted aquariums
– Shrimp tanks (excellent grazing surface)

Hygrophila angustifolia (Willow Hygro or Narrowleaf Hygrophila) is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby due to its attractive appearance and relatively easy care. Here are some tips and care guidelines to help you grow and maintain this plant successfully:

1. Lighting Requirements

• Moderate to High Light: Hygrophila angustifolia thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions.
• Light Duration: Provide 8-10 hours of light per day to promote healthy growth.
• Low Light Adaptation: While it can survive in low light, growth will be slower, and the plant may become leggy or lose its vibrant color.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 22-28°C (72-82°F).
• pH Level: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
• Water Hardness: Can tolerate a wide range of water hardness but thrives in soft to moderately hard water (2-15 dGH).

3. Substrate and Fertilization

• Nutrient-Rich Substrate: Use a nutrient-rich substrate to support root growth. If using inert substrates like sand or gravel, supplement with root tabs.
• Liquid Fertilizers: Regularly dose a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients (iron, magnesium, etc.).
• CO2 Supplementation: While not mandatory, CO2 injection can significantly enhance growth and overall health, especially in high-light setups.