Whats the deal with my java moss

Dreamscape · #1 (**permalink**) 05-29-2007, 07:15 PM

Im shure most everyone has heard that java moss grows almost every where and grows fast. True. So Why isn't mine growing. Are their different kind etc. IdeallyI want it to grow out of the water on logs. It's pretty humid in my tank so Im shure it's getting enough water. But I don't know If anyone wants to sell me some JM let me know.
dreamscape

Dmac · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007, 06:31 AM

When i was growing up i got my first 10 gallon cage with 2 green tree frogs. i put java moss in but it didnt grow, so i waited and about 1 in a half years later java moss was every where! it was on the logs starting to go up on the glass and created a beautiful habitat!

Marty · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2007, 07:54 AM

Java moss needs more then just a humid environment, It needs to be kept wet, at worst moist. You can't let it dry out or it will stop growing. If you mist the moss regularly it will grow like crazy.

here's my tank all mossed up

Tennill · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2007, 01:27 AM

So I have a quick question concerning Java moss... I know that it will grow on logs and soil. But say you were creating a Coco bedding background for a terrarium, would the mosses grow on the coco bedding?

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 05:28 AM

MRIGUY · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 09:18 AM

I have had lots of success with java moss in very wet tanks but in the ones with drier substrates it never thrives. I also noticed that in one tank where it was growing well under normal output fluorescent tubes it all but died when I upgraded the lighting to high output T5's. I was under the impression that it liked more light so when I added some higher light plants to the tank I figured it would grow better. Not so appearantly. My best crop grown under 10k compact fluourescents.

Marty · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 11:19 AM

the T5s probably produced more heat and dried the moss even more. Java moss is an aquatic plant so the wetter the better. Mist it more often and it will grow.

MRIGUY · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 11:42 AM

That was my thought but the fixture is not that hot. I think it was just too much light. T5's are very effecient and with the proper reflector they put out a ton of light. I am playing with them now for a new 44 gallon pentgon with a currently undetermined inhabitant.

Actually the ones I am playing with now are HO so that changes the situation also.