Moss Aquarium Live Plants
Uses of moss in your aquarium:
- Mosses can contribute to improved water quality because they can absorb nitrates from the water.
- Mosses do not need high levels of light to success and carry on their job of absorbing nutrients in the water.
- Mosses do not need a high level of fertiliser like most other aquatic plants.
- Mosses photosynthesise which gives the tank a supply of oxygen.
- Mosses can be a good spawning ground for your fish.
- Mosses can be a useful resting place for your aquatic animals as well as providing a hiding place to the shyer animals in your aquarium.
Best results for moss
Most types of moss prefer cool conditions. If the temperature is too warm for the moss then you will notice that it doesn't grow as quickly and may not look its best, perhaps turning brown.
It is important to check what moss will thrive in the temperature of your aquarium.
Types of Aquatic Mosses
There are many different types of mosses which vary in their features and aesthetics. Some of the most popular are:
Java Moss
This is a common moss for aquariums, it can grow very fast and can tolerate warmer temperaturesthan most mosses. It makes an excellent spawning ground for fish and allows newborns to hide from predators.
Christmas Moss
This type of moss prefers cooler climates and likes less lighting. The ideal PH level for Christmas Moss is between 5 and 7.5. This moss is slow growing, particularly compared to Java moss. When the moss is attached to a surface it will grow in a triangular shape. This is where it gets it’s name from as it grows like a Christmas tree shape. Christmas moss is often a useful moss if you are looking at building a moss wall.
Flame Moss
This most grows vertically, unlike the Christmas Moss. As its name suggests, it gives the impression of a flame with its long vertical tendrils. This moss is also slow growing. Flame moss prefers low-level lighting.
Star Moss
This moss has a lovely star-like structure but is not strictly an aquatic moss. It grows well and is relatively easy to grow and it tolerates most conditions but will only survive around three months when submerged in a tank.