Who Gives A Fish Forums

My plants are doing alright, but I'm not entirely satisfied with their progress - that's a topic for another time, though.

Moss is a different story altogether. I've attempted to grow it three times now, and each time it's ended in disaster - they turn brown and die on me. I did manage to get my first batch to come back a bit, but ultimately, they didn't make it.

Does anyone have any advice on this?

I'm curious, what kind of moss are you trying to grow? Is it Java moss, or something else entirely?

To better assist with your moss and other plants, it would be beneficial to have more information on the lighting and nutrients. What type of lighting are you using - its spectrum and daily duration? Is it on a timer for consistency? Additionally, are you using any plant additives or fertilizers? Do you have floating plants in the tank? A photo of the setup, showing the plant species and numbers, would be extremely helpful in understanding the environment.

I've had good luck with Christmas moss in my tanks, it's been pretty low maintenance.

boomer wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 11:06 pm To better assist with your moss and other plants, it would be beneficial to have more information on the lighting and nutrients. What type of lighting are you using - its spectrum and daily duration? Is it on a timer for consistency? Additionally, are you using any plant additives or fertilizers? Do you have floating plants in the tank? A photo of the setup, showing the plant species and numbers, would be extremely helpful in understanding the environment.

I'm still having trouble with my moss - it's just not working out for me. I've tried Java and Christmas moss, and both times they've ended up browning and dying. I did get a tiny bit of regrowth with my first batch, but it wasn't enough.

I'm using a full spectrum light, and I turn it on and off manually - it's on from 7:00 in the morning until about 8:00 in the evening. I know my other plants could do better too, but I'm really stuck on this moss thing. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

Planning to set up a CO2 system, figure it might give my plants the boost they need.

boomer wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 11:06 pm To better assist with your moss and other plants, it would be beneficial to have more information on the lighting and nutrients. What type of lighting are you using - its spectrum and daily duration? Is it on a timer for consistency? Additionally, are you using any plant additives or fertilizers? Do you have floating plants in the tank? A photo of the setup, showing the plant species and numbers, would be extremely helpful in understanding the environment.

I'd advise against a CO2 system just yet. It's the light that's crucial, as its intensity drives photosynthesis. Different plants have different requirements when it comes to intensity. Balance the existing light with the right nutrients, and your plants should thrive. Carbon is just one macronutrient, and there's usually enough being produced naturally. Assuming the intensity is okay and nutrients are sufficient, the duration of the light is also a factor.

Looking at your setup, I think 13 hours is a pretty long photoperiod. I'd recommend reducing the light to 8 hours, and putting it on a timer for consistency - this will benefit both your fish and plants. I've also noticed some problem algae on the plant leaves in the photos.

As for your moss, it's a low-light plant, so it'll do better with some shade. Consider adding some floating plants to provide that shade.

Temperature of your tank - is it on the warmer side? Most aquarium mosses prefer it a bit cooler, high 70s and above tend to be a problem for them.

Also, have you done plant dips before adding them to the tank? Moss can be pretty sensitive to those, and it might be worth looking into if you've been doing them to keep snails and diseases out.

boomer wrote: ↑Wed Sep 04, 2024 11:06 pm To better assist with your moss and other plants, it would be beneficial to have more information on the lighting and nutrients. What type of lighting are you using - its spectrum and daily duration? Is it on a timer for consistency? Additionally, are you using any plant additives or fertilizers? Do you have floating plants in the tank? A photo of the setup, showing the plant species and numbers, would be extremely helpful in understanding the environment.

Temperature is key for the fish, as it controls their metabolism, so it's essential to prioritize their needs. I wouldn't say 78F is too high for moss, I think the issue lies elsewhere, as I mentioned before.