Amano shrimp vs. Java moss

Blinky

Blinky

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Jun 22, 2004
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I recently added some Java moss to my 14g, and I think my Amanos are eating it. At first, I thought they were just picking at little bits of food that were caught in the moss, then on close inspection, I saw a shrimp picking at a piece of moss that was completely bare of 'leaves', leaving just the 'stem' behind. This piece of moss may have been bare before the shrimp got there, but somehow I doubt it.
The tank is very well fed, and I spot feed the shrimp, so they're not starving. Could it be that Java moss is tasty? I got these shrimp mostly because I like them, but partly to control any hair algae that regrows in this tank (recently had a horrible battle with it). I'm now seeing little bits of hair algae, which I'm removing by hand and controlling using Excel, but I think the shrimp have found a new, preferred food source.
Anyone else have experience with this? I'm wondering if the moss will have a chance to establish itself and begin to grow, or if my little gardeners will prune it to death :eek:
 
Good to know - maybe they're after microscopic goodies and algae I can't see. They're such wonderful little critters, I wouldn't begrudge them a little salad, but I'm glad to hear they're probably not going to eat all the moss :D
 
Once the moss takes hold, you'll have to clip it anyways. Maybe the lttle shrimp are just doing you a favor. I'm sure they won't do enough damage that he moss can't handle. Put a little clump in a glass jar, a drop of fertilizer and a bit of excel, keep it under a desk lamp and you'll always a have a bunch ( to replace any that you lose). It ooks nice too. :)

Ya it ooks really nice :rolleyes:
 
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