The spectacular appearance of any aquarium does not depend on the presence of exotic inhabitants in it, but on the beautiful design of its landscape. Creating a unique underwater interior is an interesting and exciting activity. For this, all kinds of decorative elements are used and, of course, a variety of plants, among which aquarium moss occupies an honorable place. These green spaces are very unpretentious to the conditions of detention, but they have a high aesthetic value, for which they have received universal recognition from aquarists.
Bryosophy variety
All bryophytes belong to the class of higher plants, but are the most primitive of them. At the same time, they appeared much earlier than other plants - approximately 440 million years ago. At the moment, about 10,000 species of mosses are known, which are divided into three large classes:
- Bryophyta - real mosses
- Marchantiophyta - liverworts
- Anthocerotophyta –Anthocerota.
The classification principle is based on the distinctive features of the appearance of mosses, for example, the shape of the leaves and stems, the presence of veins in the leaves, the nature of the branching of the stems, etc. For example, it is quite simple to distinguish liverworts from other species: they do not have stems, leaves and roots.
Moss growing conditions
Aquarium mosses, photos of which are presented below, can easily adapt to any environmental conditions. Most varieties can perfectly exist in the water temperature range of +15 … +30 ° С. The level of illumination is also not a critical criterion, as is the hardness of the water. The only thing that all aquarium plants, including moss, require is a periodic partial renewal of water (20-30% of the total) to provide fresh minerals.
To root new bryophytes on the substrate, they are tied, rolled with small stones and even glued. However, there are also types of aquarium mosses that do not even need temporary fixation.
All of the above properties of mosses make them a versatile material for decorating an aquarium.
Decorative properties of mosses
Most mosses are dwarf plants, rarely exceeding 4-5 cm in length. But there are varieties of aquarium mosses that grow up to half a meter.
Mosses do not have true stems and leaves. The stem-like parts of plants are called caulidia and the leaves are called phylloids.
The most common types of aquarium mosses belong to the class of real mosses. Not so long ago, a limited number of varieties of these plants were used in the aquarium trade, but today their list has expanded significantly. Below are the most interesting aquarium mosses, photos of which will help you appreciate their magnificent decorative properties. Next, consider the most spectacular and popular varieties.
Moss Phoenix
Phoenix aquarium moss got its name for the peculiar shape of the lateral leaves, on which there are elongated plates resembling the feathers of the legendary Phoenix bird. This moss grows quite slowly and reaches up to 3 cm in height. It adheres well to the aquarium substrate, can grow on soil, snags, netting, large boulders.
Phoenix aquarium moss looks like a small fountain. By the way, the second name of the variety is Fissidens fountainus. It grows in a group and grows from the center to the sides, resembling a frozen fountain. From one twig left on a snag or stone, after about two months, a fluffy tussock of a spherical shape of a dark green color grows. At the same time, regardless of the methods of cultivation and shearing, Phoenix moss will still take on a spherical shape over time.
This variety belongs to large mosses, so it is not afraid of Siamese algae eaters, known lovers of mosses.
The plant is quite unpretentious - it does not require bright lighting, additional provision of nutrients and CO2. However, to stimulategrowth and increased “fluffiness”, it is still recommended to feed the Phoenix in small dosages and at least slightly supply carbon dioxide.
When designing artificial reservoirs, fissidens are usually placed in well-visible places, as it looks very impressive even against the background of other beautiful representatives of the flora that live in the aquarium. Many aquarists generally prefer to completely plant the aquarium area with only this plant, and it looks amazing.
Moss Flame
This aquarium moss is still gaining its popularity among aquarists. It also has a high decorative effect and can become a real decoration of any artificial reservoir. The plant also owes its name to the shape of the leaves, which over time curl beautifully and look like flames. Moreover, the process of twisting the leaves is the more intense, the harder the water.
Its shoots are slightly branched, growing mainly vertically. In width, the plant grows slowly, reaching a height of 15 cm. Most often, moss Flame is used to decorate the middle and back of the aquarium.
A distinctive feature of this variety is the low ability to grow to the substrate. In this regard, the design of snags and stones is performed by attaching bushes to them with a fishing line. This method allows you to move the decor with moss to different parts of the aquarium if necessary.
Javan moss
Javan moss aquarium plant has been known for a long time and is one of the most common species used in decorationaquarium landscapes. This is an amphibian plant, as it can develop well and stably not only in water, but also in humid air.
Javanese aquarium moss has excellent decorative data, which requires certain conditions to maintain. The optimal temperature range for successful plant cultivation is +24 … +28 ° С. If the temperature drops below +22 °C, this aquarium moss practically stops growing, although it retains its appearance for several more weeks.
Active reaction and water hardness are not critical, but light plays a role. Despite the fact that this variety can exist for a long time in conditions of almost complete darkness, it is bright light that ensures its growth and decorative effect.
The appearance of the plant may also suffer due to the large amount of suspension in the water, which forms an ugly coating on its branches. The causes of cloudy water are digging fish and a constantly running air compressor. Over time, algae multiply on the moss, negatively affecting the condition of the plant. At the same time, it is not possible to restore the decorative qualities of this type of moss even by intensive water filtration. Thus, before growing aquarium moss of this variety, you should ensure the appropriate conditions, only then can it become a real decoration of a home pond.
Moss Cladophora
This is another fairly common plant in the aquarium hobby. The second name is an aquarium moss ball, althoughin fact, it has nothing to do with mosses. The bright green fluffy lumps are colonies of microscopic green filamentous algae that grow in the shape of a sphere. If the conditions in the aquarium are favorable, the aquarium moss ball (Kladofora) can become several times larger than its original size.
Despite the fact that algae in aquariums is undesirable, these cute creatures are an exception. They do not spoil plants, do not stick to decorative elements and glass. The inside of the ball consists of dead parts of algae, which turn into elastic thread weaves. The colony itself lives on this spherical base. If you cut the ball, you get a fluffy rug, from which you can make a green lawn at the bottom of the aquarium.
Moss-ball has not only a beautiful appearance, but is also a kind of sponge that passes water through itself, while simultaneously filtering it. In the aquarium trade, this plant has been known for several hundred years and still has not lost its relevance.
Riccia Moss
This moss belongs to the class of liverworts. It floats on the water surface, forming beautiful islands called thalli. In aquarists, Riccia is most often used as a natural shade or substrate for spawning of various fish species, in which fry also like to hide. In addition, this plant is an excellent top dressing for many herbivorous hydrobionts.
Riccia is especially useful in artificial reservoirs with viviparous fish species. In the floating thicketsfry have not only a place to hide, but also supplies of the necessary food. And labyrinth fish species use moss sprigs to build their foamy nests.
For the good development of Riccia, bright lighting is necessary, because due to lack of light, its islands break up into small branches. However, direct sunlight and incandescent lighting are contraindicated for this plant, as they can cause burns. For lighting, it is recommended to use LED or fluorescent lamps.
The optimal temperature range for Riccia is +22 … +26 °С. When the temperature drops below +20 ° C, the growth of the plant slows down, although the appearance is preserved. To create a comfortable environment, the aquarium should be covered with a lid. This type of moss is also sensitive to the composition of water - for its good development, it must be soft. Change some of the water regularly to encourage growth.
Riccia can be used as a cover plant for soil and snags in bright light. This moss reproduces simply: just a few small branches of thallus are enough to quickly fill the entire water surface.
Key Moss
Another name for the variety is Fontinalis. It has soft erect stems 20-25 cm high, on which there are many thin and small triangular leaves. Dense thickets of dark green color serve as an excellent decoration for the aquarium.
The main problem in the cultivation of fontinalis is the seasonality of its vegetation. In summer, when the temperature in the aquarium is kept within +25 … +27 ° С, the plantfeels very comfortable. But even in winter, the temperature drops slightly, and at this time the moss needs rest. Under natural conditions, Fontinalis hibernates at a temperature of +2 … +4 ° C, and in the aquarium it is “hot” in winter. In this regard, even in unheated tanks, this variety does not live for more than a year.
As for the requirements for water, it must be slightly acidic or neutral and soft, and always clean. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure effective water filtration and use suitable aquatic animals.
Small viviparous and characin fish are considered ideal inhabitants of aquariums with fontinalis. Large, and even more so digging soil, have a detrimental effect on the plant.
Key moss reproduces by dividing the bush. It is better to immediately purchase a large copy attached to the substrate, driftwood or stone, wait until the plant grows, and then divide it into parts.
Creating favorable conditions for mosses
Artificial saturation of water with carbon dioxide
All aquarium mosses, described above, do not experience a shortage of water, therefore they do not die. However, they can develop poorly, and the reason for this is most often a lack of nutrition.
As you know, photosynthesis occurs due to the use of solar energy by plants and their consumption of carbon dioxide dissolved in water. Strongly consuming CO2 during daylight hours, aquatic plants significantly reduce its concentration in water and eventually suffer from this. ToFor example, as a result of the absorption of free CO2 by fontinalis, the pH of water reaches 8, 8, that is, it is alkalized. The same is true with other plants.
There are no conditions for the natural replenishment of carbon dioxide deficiency in enclosed spaces, so the necessary level should be provided forcibly. In moving water, the intensity of photosynthesis is much higher than in stagnant water. In this regard, it is necessary that a constant, but not very powerful flow of water be present in the aquarium. Under such conditions, aquarium mosses and other plants will feel comfortable.
Feeding
The need for micro and macro elements is experienced by all aquarium mosses. Their content should vary depending on the specific plant species. This is due to the fact that, for example, an increase in the concentration of nitrates contributes to an increase in the amount of chlorophyll (green pigment) in some species of moss, but harms others.
Almost all bryophytes do not prefer nitrates, but ammonium. At the same time, if you replace nitrates with ammonium, but the nitrogen concentration remains high, the plants will stop growing and may even die. Therefore, if urea is used instead of potassium nitrate, then its dosage should be less.
As for copper, when it is contained in 1 liter of water in the amount of 0.01 mg, the concentration of chlorophyll becomes maximum, and if the dose is increased to 10 ml per liter, the chloroplast will lose its green color.
Phosphorus, as a rule, favorably affects the development of aquarium mosses. And oneCalcium is one of the most essential nutrients for these plants. However, in high concentrations for real mosses (bryophytes), this substance is harmful, as it makes it difficult to absorb other cations.
Calcium and magnesium, due to mutual competition in metabolic processes, reduce the ability to absorb ions.
Unfortunately, the influence of nutrients in various proportions on the development of aquarium mosses has not yet been studied enough. As a rule, in nature, most types of mosses grow intensively at the end of the summer and throughout the autumn period. In winter and spring, nutrients are limited, so the growth rate is reduced.
Aquarium moss pest control
The main enemies of mosses in the aquarium are algae-eating fish, amano shrimp, snails and algae.
A 5% bleach solution is recommended for algae control. Plants affected by algae are immersed in a chlorine solution and mixed for a couple of minutes. After the algae turn white, the moss is transferred to a container with clean water and washed thoroughly. However, it should be noted that not all varieties of bryophytes can withstand such a procedure. A more gentle way to remove algae is to add glutaraldehyde to the aquarium water for several days in a ratio of 10-15 mm / 100 liters.
Conclusion
The indisputable advantage of aquarium mosses is their amazing life plasticity, expressed inunsurpassed ability to adapt to the widest range of external conditions. In addition, bryophytes grow relatively slowly, which is their undoubted advantage for aqua design. This feature eliminates the need for frequent intervention in the composition, decorated with mosses. And most importantly: mosses - compared to other aquatic plants - are very unpretentious, which, of course, makes them an optimal and versatile means of decorating an aquarium.
