2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Ricardia moss (Riccardia Chamedryfolia) is one of the most beautiful aquarium mosses. This is a new and fairly rare species. It adheres quickly to any substrate such as lava, wood or coconut. The plant is not too demanding on the conditions of detention and is suitable even for a beginner.
Description and appearance
Ricardia moss has an attractive decorative look. It spreads along the surface of the soil and can reach a height of four centimeters. As it grows, lush, bright green bushes form in the aquarium.
The plant has fleshy stems, palmate or pinnate branches and dark green leaves. It is worth noting that the lack of lighting can lead to loss of color. In this case, the leaves become pale.
Ricardia moss in an aquarium is best placed in the foreground, in a well-lit area. Beautiful thickets will help create an original interior in a home pond. In addition, this moss is perfect as a habitat for small fish and shrimps.
The big plus is the ability of the plant to be firmly attached to the base, so there is no need for addition altransplants. Decorations such as driftwood or rock fragments are excellent planting material. They can also be used to decorate the background of the aquarium.
Origin of ricardia moss and natural growth
Riccardia Chamedryfolia is native to Southeast Asia. It was first discovered and studied in Taiwan in 2005. In fact, this is a whole genus of mosses, which includes about 300 different species. But in specialized stores, only 2-3 varieties are available to customers.
Water parameters
In general, the plant is quite unpretentious. For its maintenance does not require any special composition of water. The aquarist can use either reverse osmosis or tap fluid.
The main requirement is crystal clear water. When contaminated, the smallest particles settle on the leaves of the plant, which leads to stunting and death of the plant.
Optimal water parameters:
- temperature 18-25 °С;
- hardness dH 5-10 °;
- acidity pH 5, 5-7, 5.
When deviating from the given parameters, moss ricardia can significantly slow down growth. It is especially not recommended to greatly exceed the indicated temperature, as this can lead to the development of a number of diseases.
It is useful to periodically check the water for nitrate and phosphate levels. It is desirable to keep their number at a minimum level, the optimal ratio is 1 to 15. At home, it is convenient for diagnosisuse drop tests. Frequent water changes and filters are recommended as a preventive measure.
It is worth noting that when keeping moss in the aquarium, you should not use internal filters, as they create too much current. Bottom or special drainage systems are best suited.
Lighting
Recommended moderate or bright illumination of the home pond. Bright light promotes more intensive growth of moss. The total daylight hours should be about 10 hours. In general, the plant is not demanding on lighting conditions.
Moss ricardia: maintenance and care
Adaptation to new conditions can take a lot of time. On average, this period lasts about a month, and only after the plant gets used to the equipped environment, one can observe slow growth.
Ricardia moss needs regular trimming with a sharp blade when kept in an aquarium. This procedure is very important, as the lower part of the plant can rot from lack of light.
To accelerate the growth of moss, it is recommended to saturate the water with carbon dioxide. Fertilizers must be applied very carefully and only when necessary. In an aquarium with mosses, it is desirable to contain other plants that can quickly process excess organic matter.
In order for the moss to grow well and the aquarium look spectacular, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the plant. Regular cleaning of settled debris with a siphon will allow you to keep the plant ingreat look. Sometimes it can be difficult to clean up thickets of moss. In this case, it is convenient to use a thin tube instead of a standard siphon.
Ricardia moss can spread spontaneously throughout the aquarium. To do this, small fragments are separated from the mother plant, which can be attached in the most unexpected places. This is not very convenient and may ruin the unique composition.
Compatibility with other inhabitants
Keeping moss together with herbivorous fish is not recommended. It is better to settle small inhabitants in the aquarium, which will not be able to spoil the leaves of the plant. You should not settle in the aquarium various types of mollusks that eat the roots and stems of the plant, which can ultimately lead to its death.
Excellent inhabitants of moss thickets are shrimps. Amano and cherry species are the most popular among aquarists. They not only look beautiful against the background of a green carpet, but also effectively clean the leaves, feeding on the particles that have settled on them. Such cleaning has a positive effect on the he alth of the plant.
Ricardia moss appeared in aquariums not so long ago, but has already gained popularity among connoisseurs of aquarism. It forms beautiful ornamental thickets, which serve not only as a decoration of the reservoir, but also as an excellent habitat for shrimps. A big plus of this type of moss is its unpretentiousness, which makes it an excellent choice even for beginners. Minimal care will ensure the prosperity of the plant and excellent appearance.aquarium.
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