Monte Carlo
Micranthemum tweediei · family Linderniaceae
- Light
- Medium
- CO₂
- Helpful
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–12 °dGH
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Height
- up to 5 cm
- Placement
- Foreground
- Root feeder
- Yes
Pros and cons
- HC aesthetic with intermediate care instead of expert
- No CO₂ required (speeds growth though)
- Tolerates softer light
- Propagates via creeping runners
- Less dense carpet without CO₂
- Can float up if not rooted well
- Stalls at high temps (>28 °C)
Description
Monte Carlo — the modern alternative to HC. Larger leaves (5–7 mm), but easier conditions: medium light, CO₂ optional (though it speeds growth).
Care
Active substrate preferred, neutral with base layer is OK too. Liquid ferts weekly. Trim every 3–4 weeks for density.
FAQ
- Monte Carlo vs HC Cuba — which one?
- Monte Carlo for most good planted tanks with CO₂ and medium light. HC Cuba only if you're ready for a premium setup (1+ W/L light, CO₂ 25–30 mg/L, ADA Amazonia) and want maximum carpet density.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Micranthemum tweediei · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22