Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Horsetail Rush - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Horsetail Rush at a glance
Adult size: 48 inch height · Min tank/pond: 50 gallons (pond) · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: photosynthetic · Lifespan: perennial years.
Horsetail Rush (Equisetum hyemale) is a popular pond species in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.
Where Horsetail Rush comes from
Horsetail Rush (Equisetum hyemale) is an aquatic plant native to pond ecosystems. Used in ornamental pond design for visual interest, biological filtration, and providing cover.
Horsetail Rush tank size and setup
Horsetail Rush requires a minimum of 50 gallons (pond) for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 48 inch height adult size and territorial range. Plan an outdoor pond with appropriate depth (3+ feet for cold-climate winterization), filtration sized 1.5-2x pond volume per hour, UV clarifier, and surface skimmer.
Water parameters for Horsetail Rush
Horsetail Rush prefers pond parameters: temperature 50-78°F seasonal swing for cold-tolerant species, pH 7.0-8.5, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 40 ppm, dissolved oxygen 5+ mg/L (aerator non-optional in summer).
What Horsetail Rush eats
Horsetail Rush is a photosynthetic. Powered by photosynthesis. Maintain quality lighting matched to species needs. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Horsetail Rush tankmates and compatibility
Horsetail Rush is compatible with similar-temperament pond fish at appropriate stocking. Plan stocking around adult sizes and territorial behaviors.
Horsetail Rush adult size and lifespan
Horsetail Rush reaches 48 inch height at adulthood with a captive lifespan of perennial years with proper care.
Can you breed Horsetail Rush?
Horsetail Rush propagates through tubers, runners, or division. Most aquatic plants propagate freely once established.
Common Horsetail Rush diseases and problems
Horsetail Rush can develop pond-specific issues: parasites, bacterial infections, and seasonal stress around water temperature transitions.
Where to buy Horsetail Rush online
Horsetail Rush is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Horsetail Rush from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related pond species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Horsetail Rush taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.