Java Moss

[PrairieSunflower]

I've always heard about how awesome java moss is and how great it is for tanks... so... I bought some....

Ok... so, its the only plant so far that I can't figure out what to do with it... I don't have any trouble with its growth... but... really... what do I do with it, how could I arrange it... I find it awfully difficult since it doesn't root to anything! LOL

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Tie to wood with fishing line and it will stick itself to it over time and grow nice and bushy as it will more than likely be closer to your lighting.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Ah good! So it will stick eventually to something! I just got some bog wood but its far too big... need to figure out how to chop off a smaller piece and I will try it out.

 

[Andy Vox]

Yeah fishing line or cotton (as the cotton decomposes over time) leaving no visible trace.
The java moss will attach itself to the wood over time. Growth rate is fairly decent.
Best to keep trimming it to prevent it going wild and choking the moss underneath, best way to do this without it going everywhere I found is to siphon right next to it as you cut, that way the offcuts are sucked up the siphon and don't just travel around your tank sticking to leaves, rocks, filter intakes etc.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Great tip about trimming... but I completely lack coordination with the siphon (I often accidently get my socks wet! LOL) so I think I will put it on something I can easily pull up and maybe place it in a bowl of water to trim.

 

[Andy Vox]

That would work too, I made the mistake of trimming it first time without siphoning / removing the object and it went everywhere.
I regularly turn our lounge into a swimming pool! I too lack any sort of coordination with the pipe end... It always falls out the tub.

 

[Bugdozer]

I have a four year old daughter who likes to "help" by holding the end of the siphon tube in the bucket. Except sometimes she doesn't. Wet carpet.

 

[ghettofarmulous]

anybody who doesnt soak the place one in a while isnt a real fish keeper

 

[Andy Vox]

Yeah my four year old 'helps' like that too...