Javanese moss in the aquarium: how to fix?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The assortment of stores for aquarists is striking in the breadth of choice. And this applies not only to aquatic inhabitants, but also to the plant world, which can be used for aquascaping.

In philistine vernacular, you can sometimes hear the name "algae" in relation to this group of goods. Although algae are the least widely represented: apart from cladophora, you can rarely find anything on sale. Algae build-up is usually fought by aquarium lovers, not turned on.

Mostly mono- or dicotyledonous plants live in the interior of a small pond. Nevertheless, there are also ferns, and even mosses. We will talk about one of the most popular representatives of this plant department.

Javan moss

In Latin, its name sounds like Vesicularia dubyana. This is the most affordable moss on the market. It will cost the buyer from 100 to 1000 rubles, depending on the size of the moss raft.

The height of the plant can be about 50 centimeters. Usually, when keeping Javanese moss in an aquarium, the length of its branches is regulated. Attachment to the ground or to the substrate occurs with the help of rhizoids. Still he'll be fine himselffeel and in the water column in free swimming. Moss stems are covered with small leaves. It has a rich vibrant green color.

Necessary conditions

The maintenance of Java moss is simple. It is quite unpretentious and withstands a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, several recommendations can be made. The optimum water temperature is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Lighting does not play a big role, but rapid growth and a beautiful view of the bush cannot be achieved if there is not enough light. Do not forget that photosynthesis processes will not occur without light, and moss will consume oxygen dissolved in water, taking it from fish.

The pH value should be between 6 and 8 points. The popularity of Java moss in the aquarium could not be explained if it made special demands on the conditions of detention. This is a versatile aquascape material, suitable for different fish colonies, combined with different types of soil, water acidity, and other flora. It is very easy to understand whether the conditions are suitable for a plant: if its growth has slowed down or stopped, they are not suitable. In this case, the death of the organism does not occur, and when the temperature or lighting changes, it will be restored.

How to care

If the water conditions are right, this type of plant can be safely planted. Keeping Java moss in an aquarium involves minimal maintenance. Moss grows quite quickly, reaching for the light. So that it does not tighten the entire container in an even layer, it must be thinned out regularly. It would be easiest not touse scissors, but just tear off small pieces. They can also be used to propagate Java moss. Small sections of branches can break off from it during growth, fish can pinch them off. It will be necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the filter more carefully - it will become clogged a little faster.

Application

Moss plays the role of several levels in the plant content of the aquarium. It can be used in the foreground as a cover plant. A Javanese background will emphasize the brightness of fish and shrimp, especially those painted in red hues. As an accent, Javanese moss is perfect. It grows quickly and the aquarium does not require a long start-up, it is spectacular and affordable.

In aquariums for spawning and young fish, filling with this type of moss is welcome. Some animals can eat it. These are, for example, crayfish, tilomelania snails and others. If there is no desire to diversify their diet with plant foods, moss should be placed in inaccessible places.

Javan moss can be used as a microflora donor in new aquariums. Like a sponge, it absorbs microorganisms from a he althy aquarium with an established system and transfers them to a new one, saving on speci alty chemistry and speeding up start-up.

Value for aquarium

If you place Java moss in an aquarium, it will create more favorable conditions, especially for small inhabitants. In the layers of thisplants like to hide fry, often fish choose moss for spawning. It creates the necessary protection: it is easy to get lost and hide among its threads.

Also, particles of food settle on the branches of Javanese moss, microplankton breeds: cyclops and daphnia. This can become a complete food for fry from the first days of life. Neocardina shrimp (such as cherries) also raise their young inside Javanese thickets. The owners of a small aquatic ecosystem notice that if this moss is placed in an aquarium, it improves the microflora: algae on the walls stop growing, the fish get sick less. Moss, like a sponge, absorbs and processes toxins, protecting its neighbors in the water "bank".

How to fix Java moss

Of course, you can buy this moss, already attached to the substrate. But it will cost much more than a free plant. If you want an individual design in the aquarium, you can grow a Javanese to any object from the aquarium. There are several conditions for such a fix:

The substrate must be porous, uneven. For example, spongy stones, snags and branches, pieces of coral, coconut shells are perfect. And smooth stones, pieces of glass, plastic decor are not suitable

• Until the rhizoids of the moss grow, the moss must not be disturbed. You can allocate a separate container for the cultivation of Javanese moss or fix the moss well on the substrate.
• You can use different materials as a means of fixing. Cotton thread is good because it itself decomposes in water gradually. When sheceases to hold the moss, it will surely grow. Transparent fishing line does not release toxic substances into the water and does not harm the appearance of the aquarium due to its transparency. Threads made of artificial materials can be picked up in green. You should not forget to remove them after the full growth of moss.

• To fix large areas on objects, it is convenient to use a grid (special material is also sold in aquarium stores).
• If you want to create a background of moss, you need to fix the mesh on one of the walls of the aquarium and provide enhanced light. This wall will have to be trimmed regularly, but the container will have a natural background that will favorably emphasize the beauty of the animals.
• You can fix the moss on the snags artistically, not trying to repeat the bottom of the reservoir, but creating a fantastic landscape. This way you can create a pine forest and rainforest.

Things to remember

If you're using string to grow moss into your substrate, make sure it's fish-friendly and non-toxic. If in doubt, use cotton thread or fishing line. In the case when the aquarium contains catfish (having special spikes near the head), it is better to grow moss in a separate container, as the fish can catch on the thread holding the plant and die. With proper care, Java moss grows quickly and needs regular weeding: remove excess areas carefully. You should make sure that shrimp and fry do not get into the thicket.

Use examplesin design

Photos of Javanese moss speak eloquently of the fact that it looks very advantageous in an aquarium. It is unpretentious, grows quickly and adheres well to a variety of surfaces. Because of these qualities, this type of moss is used not only by professional designers, but also by amateur aquarists. There are a lot of options for its placement in the water column, we will give the most striking examples. One of the recognized masters who uses Javanese moss in aqua design is Takashi Amano.

His works are very light, airy, filled with light. Often he recreates a mountain stream, a shady forest, rolling valleys. This direction was called "natural aquarium". The most frequently used resource for it was a variety of moss species, including Javanese.

Now even a beginner knows how to fix Javanese moss in an aquarium. Everything will work out if you follow these simple rules.