Not only green algae can form carpets in aquariums, but java moss does. Also, java moss is hardy and easy to care for, making it a great option for beginners. In today’s article, let’s learn something about java moss, like the types and features of java moss, planting skills, and java moss care tips. Without further ado, let’s delve in.
Types of moss
Types of moss
To begin with, we will list some popular aquatic mosses in the table below.
| Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana/Taxiphyllum barbieri) |  |
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Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei) |
| Flame Moss (Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Flame’) |  |
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Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei) |
| Peacock Moss (Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Peacock’) |  |
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Marimo moss ball (Aegagro propila linnaei) |
| Phoenix Moss (Fissidens fontanus) |  |
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Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica) |
| Subwassertang (Lomariopsis Lineata) |  |
Get into java moss
Java moss is native to Southeast Asia, and its scientific name is Vesicularia Dubyana or Taxiphyllum Barbieri. In the natural environment, java moss can be found in tropical areas. In captivity, it can survive in any condition. Given below are some requirements of the java moss aquarium.
- Temperature: Its ideal temperature is 70-75℉, but it can survive up to 86℉.
- pH: Its accepted pH is 5-8.
- Lighting level: It can grow in low light while also in high light. In low light, it will be dark and thin. In high light, it will become compact.
- Planting: It is better to tie it with fishing lines.
- Carbon dioxide: It can grow without carbon dioxide.
Aside from that, here are more features of java moss:
- Hardy aquatic plants: Java moss can even grow up under no light. And the light green color on the ends of java moss means new growth.
- No root: Java moss does not root. But it can anchor on one spot and float there. Moreover, it can also attach to objects’ surfaces, like substrate, wood, and rocks.
- Great for breeders: Java moss provides places for shrimp to nest.
- Appealing appearance: Aquascaping your aquarium with java moss, the ornamental value will greatly increase.
How fast does Java moss grow
With proper maintenance, java moss can fully grow in about 3–4 weeks. As a fast-growing moss, it can grow 2-3 mm each day or even 1-1.5 inches each month. Also, it can reproduce every 1–3 days. Furthermore, it can live up to 10 years. Accordingly, you should trim java moss regularly.
By the way, some factors will improve or lower moss’s growth rate. For instance, aquarium light intensity, water parameters, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. Generally, dim light will lower moss’s growth rate. Besides that, a moderate amount of nutrients and carbon dioxide help Java moss grow faster.
How to plant Java moss
Floating java moss
Actually, creating floating Java moss is not difficult. Just drop the moss on the water surface. The floating java moss will appear as the moss grows up. Nonetheless, you should avoid the moss being caught in the aquarium filter.
Decorate aquarium decor with java moss
Anchor java moss on a flat and non-floating surface first, like driftwood, stone, and rock. Next, tie the java moss on the surface with fishing lines. After about one month, you can remove the fishing lines with a pair of scissors. You can also make java moss trees in this way.
In addition to java moss, other plants can also be planted on aquarium stones, like Anubias, Java fern, and Bucephalandra. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can read Aquatic Plants Can Be Planted on Aquarium Stones.
Create Java moss carpet
Aside from that, you can also make java moss carpet with the help of mesh and fishing lines. Just take two pieces of mesh and then sandwich a level of java moss between the mesh. After that, tie the mesh with fishing lines. Finally, you can place it on the bottom of your tank.
For more about carpet in your tank, you can go to Create a Carpet in Your Planted Tank.
Carpet java moss care tips
In this segment, we will cover some Java moss care tips.
Never move the moss around
When you place the java moss in your tank, never move it around. Because it needs time to adhere to the objects’ surfaces and adapt to new living conditions. Generally a few weeks.
Build a great filtration system
A great filtration system helps to keep clean water and a healthy aquarium. Also, an aquarium filter can circulate water, which spreads nutrients to every corner of your tank. But you should avoid strong water currents. Because it is damaging to Java moss.
Adjust light intensity
As we have mentioned above, dim light would limit java moss growth. To make java moss dense or grow faster, you can set higher light intensity. However, bright light will lead to algae booming in your tank.
Change aquarium water
Weekly water changes are necessary. Commonly, changing 15-30 percent of water is great. In this case, you can ask a siphon cleaner for help. The vacuum siphon makes the water change easily and efficiently. In the meantime, you can clean the sand or gravel, as well as remove dirt in your tank with the help of a siphon cleaner.
Clean or replace Java moss
Algae will grow in your tank because of poor water circulation or high light intensity. If there are algae on the java moss, you’d better remove the algae or replace the moss. You can remove the algae from java moss by scrubbing the moss with a soft toothbrush. Nevertheless, it may be a little bit hard to do that. On the contrary, just replace the Java moss.
Key takeaways
In short, java mosses definitely form aesthetically attractive aquariums. Featuring great adaptability and a lower care level, java moss can be an excellent alternative for aquarium beginners. Whether floating java moss or java moss carpet, there is always one that can meet your needs.