Java Moss in a 5 Gallon tank.

[deeplove]

I have a 5 gallon acrylic tank from Tetra or something with 6 glowlights and 2 flame tetras. Also a Mystery snail that gave birth to a snail. But anywho....

I have 3 Aponogeton bulbs that are doing great and took up a good amount of the tank. But I also have Java Moss in there that I wanted to use as a carpet on the gravel.

Is this possible to do? I'm adding some liquid fertilizer which I can't remember the name at the moment. Will the moss be able to grow enough to cover the substrate? Or should I go buy something else to help out with the proccess?

I forgot to mention that I have some more moss in 2 1/2 gallon mason jars that have a betta in each. I'm wondering if I could use some of that also or grow it for a bigger tank. I'm aiming for a 30 gallon for now.

I need help on growing the stuff. :P

[laurel]

From what I've heard you'd have a hard time stopping java moss from covering your substrate.

[Blueiz]

Java moss should cover your substrate easily over time. You are a little overstocked for a five gallon, but not that bad imo, the reason I say this is because you haev small thin bodied fish that are not going to grow that much. Defiantely do not add any more fish and you proably do not need any fertilizer for the plants, reason being the fish will produce enough waste to keep your pplants going. I would up my water changes to 30 percent twice a week to compensate for your stocking level. Happy fishkeeping

[deeplove]

Thanks guys. I kinda figured that I have too much fish in the tank so I'll be moving the Flame Tetras to a bigger tank to begin the cycling of that tank. But I'm changing around that %tage at the moment.

I've also seen and heard about using the moss as a background.What can I use to put a moss background in the tank? What Can I attach it to?

[OrionGirl]

Egg crate or that plastic mesh that is used for cross stitch will work. The mesh is a bitt easier to trim to fit, as well as being thinner.

[knashash]

As an alternative and something much less messy....I would reccomend Water Wisteria. It spreads out FAST and if you keep it trimmed down will make a nice carpeting with a lot less plant bits floating around. It also roots itself very quickly.

[laurel]

As an alternative and something much less messy....I would reccomend Water Wisteria. It spreads out FAST and if you keep it trimmed down will make a nice carpeting with a lot less plant bits floating around. It also roots itself very quickly.

What are the requirements for Water Wisteria? Is it an easy low light plant like Java moss?

[deeplove]

Egg crate or that plastic mesh that is used for cross stitch will work. The mesh is a bitt easier to trim to fit, as well as being thinner.

Can Java Fern be attached to it also?

[knashash]

Very easy requirments...however the light should be a bit stronger for it to thrive...more in the "medium" light range at around 2WPG...not sure how it will handle low light......anyone?

[deeplove]

I have an AquaGlow light on it now. It's pretty bright. I think it's 8 watts. But I'll try to get more if needed.