The range of shops for aquarists is striking in their 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 colloquialism you can sometimes hear the name "algae" in relation to this group of goods. Although algae are the least widely represented: on sale, in addition to cladophores, you can rarely find something. With algae bloom, aquarium lovers usually fight, not start.
Basically, the interior of a small reservoir is inhabited by single or dicotyledonous plants. Nevertheless, there are ferns, and even mosses. We will talk about one of the most popular representatives of this plant department.
Javanese moss
In Latin, its name sounds like Vesicularia dubyana. This is the most affordable moss available 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 Javanese moss is kept in the aquarium, the length of its branches is regulated. Attachment to the ground or to the substrate occurs with the help of rhizoids. Nevertheless, he will feel great in the water column in free swimming. The stems of moss are covered with small leaves. It has a saturated bright green color.
The necessary conditions
The content of Javanese moss is uncomplicated. It is quite unpretentious and can withstand a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, several recommendations can be made. The optimum water temperature is from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Lighting does not play a big role, but rapid growth and beautiful appearance of the bush can not be achieved if there is not enough light. Do not forget that the processes of photosynthesis will not occur without light, and the moss will consume oxygen dissolved in water, taking it from the fish.
The pH should be between 6 and 8 points. The popularity of Javanese 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. To understand whether the conditions are suitable for the plant is very easy: if its growth has slowed down or stopped, they are inappropriate. In this case, the death of the body does not occur, and when the temperature or lighting changes, it will recover.
How to care
If the water conditions are consistent, this type of plant can be easily planted. Keeping javanese moss in the aquarium includes minimal maintenance. Moss grows quite quickly, reaches for the light. So that he does not tighten the entire container with an even layer, it must be regularly thinned out. The easiest way is not to use scissors, but simply tear off small pieces. They can also be used to propagate Javanese moss. Small sections of twigs can break away from it during growth, fish can pinch them. The purity of the filter will have to be monitored more carefully - it will become clogged a little faster.
Application
Moss plays the role of several levels in the plant filling of the aquarium. It can be used in the foreground as a cover plant. Javanese background will emphasize the brightness of fish and shrimp, especially those painted in red. As an accent, Javanese moss is perfect. It grows quickly, and the aquarium does not require a long start, it is spectacular and affordable.
In aquariums for spawning and young fish, filling with this species of moss is welcome. Some animals may eat it. This, for example, crayfish, snail tilomelaniya and others. If you vary their diet with plant food there is no desire, you should place the moss in inaccessible places.
Javanese moss can be used as a microflora donor in launched aquariums. Like a sponge, it absorbs microorganisms from a healthy aquarium with an established system and transfers them to a new one, allowing you to save on specialized chemistry and speed up launch.
Value for the aquarium
If you place Javanese moss in an aquarium, this will create more favorable conditions, especially for small inhabitants. In the layers of this plant fry like to hide, often fish choose moss for spawning. It creates the necessary protection: among its threads it is easy to get lost, to hide.
Also on the branches of Javanese moss particles of food settle, microplankton propagates: cyclops and daphnia. This can be a complete diet for fry from the first days of life. Neocardine shrimp (for example, cherries) also grow young in the thickets of Javanese. Owners of a small aquatic ecosystem notice that if you place this moss in an aquarium, it improves the microflora: algae on the walls stop growing, fish get less sick. Moss like a sponge absorbs and processes toxins, protecting its neighbors in the water "can."
How to Pin Javanese Moss
Of course, you can buy this moss, already grown 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 Javanese to any object from the aquarium. There are several conditions for such a consolidation:
- The substrate should be porous, uneven. For example, nostril stones, driftwood and branches, pieces of coral, coconut shells are perfect. And smooth stones, pieces of glass, plastic decor are not suitable.
- Until the moss rhizoids grow, it is impossible to disturb the moss. You can select a separate container for the cultivation of Javanese moss or properly fix the moss on the substrate.
- As a means of fixing, you can use different materials. A cotton thread is good in that it itself decomposes in water gradually. When she stops holding moss, it will probably 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 from artificial materials can be selected in green. You should not forget to remove them after the complete growth of moss.
- To fix large areas on objects, it is convenient to use a net (special material is also sold in aquarium stores).
- If you want to create a background of moss, you need to fix the grid on one of the walls of the aquarium and provide enhanced light. This wall will have to be trimmed regularly, but there will be a natural background in the container that will emphasize the beauty of the animals.
- You can fix the moss on driftwood artistically, not trying to repeat the bottom of the reservoir, but creating a fantastic landscape. Thus, you can create a pine forest and tropical thickets.
Things to remember
If you use a thread to grow moss on a substrate, make sure it is safe for fish and does not emit toxic substances. If in doubt, use cotton thread or fishing line. In the case when the aquarium contains loricaria catfish (having special spikes at the head), it is better to grow the moss in a separate container, as the fish can catch on the thread holding the plant and die. With proper care, Javanese 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.
Examples of use in design
Photos of Javanese moss eloquently indicate that it looks very profitable in an aquarium. It is unpretentious, grows quickly and grows well to a variety of surfaces. Because of these qualities, this type of moss is used not only by professional designers, but also by 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 use Javanese moss in aqua design is Takashi Amano.
His work is very light, airy, filled with light. Often he recreates a mountain stream, a shady forest, hilly valleys. This area has been called the "natural aquarium." The most commonly used resource for it was a variety of moss species, including Javanese.
A beginner now knows how to fix Javanese moss in an aquarium. Everything will work out if you follow these simple rules.