moss question.

Wic8 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 01:01 AM

A new blog entry has been added:

moss question.

Quote:

Hey everyone.
I'm about to start my first vivarium, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what the green moss on the bottom of most peoples vivarium is called and maybe where i could purchase it.

alex1976 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 03:54 AM

From what I've seen the most common is Java moss. It's an aquatic plant but will grow right out of the water as well. Anyone feel free to correct me if I got that wrong. I've not yet actually grown it myself. I just recently ordered some off eBay myself in hopes of doing just what Wic8 is talking about and get good ground coverage...

smaug · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 04:04 PM

I got my live tropical moss from black jungle.It comes in a 10" sq piece.It is easily enough to cover the bottom of a 20 gal viv as it does spread.It requires good light and very damp conditions to spread well.Java moss is more of an aquatic plant and does best in a submerged condition.

Wic8 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 06:52 PM

the moss from black jungle was just what i was looking for. i'll prolly get the java too tho. thanks.

smaug · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:33 PM

You are welcome.Enjoy your moss

kristy55303 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 05:38 PM

there is pillow moss and ther is also riccia moss that looks more like a small grass type of moss but sreads qickly and makes the viv look very natural and rainforest-like. java moss grows tall and does well near water areas in the viv

vivariumconcepts and black jungle sells both i think....also try suarian.net kristy

Evilwezal · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 06:07 PM

I've been searching my local greenhouses for some type of moss and I found some Salaginella Krausslana(Gold Tip) a few hours ago for 3 dollars for some massive pots of it. I was about to buy some off of Blackjungle.com but if your not buying numerous plants at once I'd search for some locally. Blackjungle.com charges seperate shipping for plants and dry goods.

Evilwezal · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 06:10 PM

Oh and check local Aquarium/Pet stores for java moss, they usually have it growing in there tanks. I got about 2 pounds of it for free at my local store. The Owner tried to get me to take more. It grows so rapidly that she feeds it to her rodents for ruffage.

kristy55303 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 06:11 PM

that is a good moss and excellent price! i'm jealous! kristy

you r right. i try to find things locally or from fellow dart lovers that i know which makes it easier and n o shipping overcost...goood find. it is perfect and the frogs will love it. what type of substrate are you putting it over...that is what counts as moss needs lots of humidity(misting) but also drainage usually. riccia does well near very wet areas.

kristy55303 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 06:15 PM

only prob lem with moss is it cant be sanitized and such so java from my locasl petshops is out of the question for me. i am a germ freak as lots of plants can carry parasites and things like chytrid which is deadly to a frog. so be careful on ebay and the local pet shops. make sure the moss is rinsed thouroughly. i bleach all other plants, except moss with a 1 cup f bleach in with ten cups of water and dip for 15 seconds.rinse thouroghly with tap water. this helps with slugs and other eggs from pests also. kristy