Eleocharis montevidensis or giant hairgrass is a gorgeous edition to most tanks. For those who like to keep a tank that looks simplistic and modern, a great edition to a Fluval design will do well in implementing a planting of hairgrass.
Hairgrass should be grown in tanks with fish that are smaller than one inch. I like it in my neon tetra and zebra danios tank. It also looks way more attractive planted in longer rather than taller tanks. To pull off the short and tall look one needs a large center piece like a twisting and crooked driftwood piece that starts from the bottom and goes to the top.
The best photos of hairgrass are deceptive. Typically a 5-10 gallon tank will have 15-20 of these planted to give the field of grass look. This is the most desirable look. One or two plants looks kind of out of place and does not provide the desired look of giving the fish a natural location for protection and breeding.
Eleocharis montevidensis also pairs well with mosses. Because it makes such a showy scene, reminisient of a Japanese garden only one or two companions should be choosen. Less is more as far as variety is concerned. Stick with a moss because it will make the foreground look much larger and the difference in size between the moss and the hairgrass will be more pronounced.
Besides a strong and tall piece of driftwood in tall tanks, longer shorter tanks would be well to include several smaller rocks. Focus on dark, metallic, gray looking rocks with rough edges, and natural dark spots. The dull elements in the dark crevices of the rock will really couple with the drama you are building.
As usual, this scene is set up nicely with Fluval Stratum. Here's my guide to choosing a substrate for your aquarium.
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