Bulrush or bulrush-like plant in aquariums

I have been toying with the idea of adding bulrushes or some bulrush-like plant as a background species in my 75 gallon aquarium. I know that most of these plants prefer to be grown as emergents. In fact, I like the idea of having them grow right out of the water. But, I only have about a foot of air space between the water and the lights, and most of these plants grow very tall. Yet, considering that the stalks grow from a basal meristem, I was hoping I could just trim the plats a little above the water line. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Would it work?

Trimming works, but is not the most attractive option. If you poke around a bit you can probably find a rush that is just the right height for your tank. If you do choose to trim, don't do it just above the water line; leave them as much above-water length as you can manage to allow them better gas-exchange opportunities. Some of the spikerushes can do all right submerged, but most other rushes will eventually asphyxiate. CO2 injection might alleviate this, I don't know.

Another option is to elevate the lights, either with legs or a suspension system. There are some nice examples of this setup style here: http://ripariumsupply.com/

There's a rush-like sedge that I've seen growing submersed in the NC Sandhills region; I think it's Schoenoplectrus. Also the submersed form of Sparganium americanum (burr-reed) is very pretty. Not sure how well either one will do in a tank; the submersed forms always seem to be in strong flow.

I've tried and failed to grow the submersed form of Sparganium more than once. I don't know what the critical factor/s may be. I have seen it growing in slack as well as flowing water.

I would be really hesitant to try bulrush as a submersed plant long-term. Take a look at Eleocharis montevidensis - it might have the look you want.

I have also tried S. americanum several times and have never been successful, even when transplanting small submersed specimens.

Gerald, you might be seeing Schoenoolectus subterminalis. That one is aquatic. I haven't tried it in captivity, but it is certainly worth trying and has a similar look to Eleocharis.

Thank you all for the input. I guess I will stray away from the bulrush idea and use another plant species instead.