© Norbert Heidbüchel
Java moss, also known as Bogor moss, is a real eye-catcher in the aquarium. The plant is robust, easy to care for and easy to grow. But most important is its value for the little creatures.
The country of origin of java moss is Europe and Asia. There it grows in flowing waters, both within and on the banks. The moss is one of the light-requiring perch plants.
The scientific botanical name is Phyllotaxis barbieri. The genus is Taxiphyllum and the family Hypnaceae – sleeping moss plants.
Appearance and effect of moss in the aquarium
Java moss shows the typical characteristics of a Hypnaceae. The growth type forms numerous fine-feathered branches, which thrive densely and are often intertwined. The color shows a light to strong green. In order for the plant to be able to hold onto or grow firmly on different substrates, it forms attachment elements, the so-called rhizoids.
Due to the small bushy shape and the bright color, the plant is a real eye-catcher in the tank. Furthermore, the movements of the fine twigs and leaves, triggered by the currents of the water and the touch of the creatures, ensure a relaxing lightness and naturalness in the aquarium.
In addition to the attractiveness of the plant, the numerous, densely growing branches and the small leaves create excellent conditions for the happy life of the small animals in the aquarium. The moss serves as a hiding place and safe shelter for fish, snails and shrimp. It is also an ideal ground for spawning and a place for the brood to hatch. Since food particles floating in the water collect on the fine twigs and leaves, the animals find food there.
Design the aquarium with java moss
Buchling, Javamoos, CC BY-SA 3.0
Java moss is a slow-growing, but undemanding and easy-to-cultivate aquatic plant. It can be used in a variety of ways to beautify an aquarium. It looks just as attractive as a single plant as in groups.
When designing the pool, the moss can be attached to different materials. If it finds support, it thrives on stones, wood, hoses and caves just as well as on glass.
It is important that on underground is fastened, so that the rhizoids can attach and the roots can sprout. To do this, it can be tied up or weighed down.
To bind to the selected object is a Perlon threadone fishing line or a network well suited. For the Complain submit Stone, a piece of pottery or porcelain. If the plant is stuck, it will develop rhizoids after a while. Once it has taken root and is anchored to the ground, the attachment should be removed.
For lush ground cover, java moss performs best when planted in a group. Greening looks particularly beautiful when there are stones between the plants. Since the moss grows very slowly, it can be integrated in the front, middle and back areas of the aquarium. In order to green a glass wall in the aquarium, algae must be present on the glass. The moss can cling to them and slowly spread with a lot of patience.
The reproduction of the moss
Although there are plenty of java moss plants to buy commercially, growing them yourself by propagating them is just as easy. To be on the safe side, only healthy and well-grown specimens should be used. Either you separate the mother plant from the strong daughter plant or you divide the mother plant.
It is important that the seedlings are sufficiently undamaged roots are present so that they can grow. The “new” plant parts should be put into the aquarium immediately.
Java moss care
Java moss requires little attention to thrive. If the nutrients and the subsoil are right, it grows slowly but steadily.
It is also insensitive to lighting and water temperatures. Nevertheless, the plant needs sufficient light and an ideal temperature between 12 and 34° C. The optimal degree of hardness of the water measures a pH value of 5 to 8.
Since the plant is very slow, organic particles floating in the water can collect on the java moss over time. If such contamination occurs, it is easy to wash off or suck off. A preventive measure is to thin out the plant. So that this does not suffer and lose its beauty, the structure of the upholstery must not be thinned out too much. become. A good opportunity for action is the next water change.