Javan moss (Vesicularia dubayana) is very common in Indonesia. It is very hardy, beautiful and practical: small fish can hide in its thickets, escaping from the persecution of their larger relatives.
It is not surprising that a good half of aquarists around the world have become planting an aquarium with Java moss. It is great even for beginners, since the plant does not have to be rooted in the ground: it can be tied with a nylon thread to a stone or snag, or even let it float freely.
This remarkable plant belongs to the Hypnaceae family. Each fragment of moss consists of small twigs, with leaves arranged in pairs on both sides. The craze for Java moss has also grown because it is practically indifferent to water parameters.
But this does not apply to its purity, because in dirty water a beautiful plant quickly turns into a sloppy washcloth floating in a shapeless lump around the aquarium. Because of this, it is highly discouraged to cultivate it in water bodies that contain fish that love to dig in the ground, raising turbidity.
The initial landing is that you need to determine those places inwho would like to see lush and beautiful thickets. As we have already noted, it can be attached to the substrate using an ordinary nylon thread or a simple fishing line.
But Javanese moss looks much better on a snag! Note that on a soft and pliable surface, the plant eventually produces thin and fragile roots. So after that, the fishing line can be removed so that nothing violates the natural look.
If the lighting is in order, and there is enough organic matter in the water (without an overabundance of them!), then even a small twig can very quickly turn into a lush bush.
If you want to completely plant Java moss in an aquarium, just trim it regularly, planting them around the entire perimeter of the tank. Surprisingly, even from the smallest pieces of it that went unnoticed during harvesting, a new branch can grow.
We have already said that the plant is almost indifferent to the parameters of water, except for its purity. But it grows best in a slightly alkaline environment at pH 5.8-8.0 and temperature 18-30 0C. It is very important that the water in the aquarium does not bloom, otherwise you will quickly say goodbye to Java moss. It's best not to go overboard with the lighting level, as moss loves soft, natural light the most.
The "Javanese" is especially loved by those breeders who prefer to keep viviparous species of fish: it provides excellent shelter for fry, not allowing parents to satisfy their hunger. In addition, this plantcan be successfully used as a spawning substrate for almost all types of aquarium fish.
Unlike synthetic threads, which are also used in this capacity, it not only hides the eggs that have fallen to the bottom, but also filters and purifies the water, creating optimal conditions for their growth and development. In addition, ciliates live perfectly in it, which are indispensable food for fry in the first days of their life.
Thus, Javanese moss (photo is presented to your attention) is an excellent aquarium plant!
