Taxiphyllum barbieri - Java Moss        Back to Care of Each Species Page

    Common Name- Java moss

    Water Conditions- Approx. 70 - 80 degrees, Some water movement, good water quality.
    Known for being very salt tolerant.

    pH- Tolerates most pH conditions (5.0 - 8.0)

    Light- this plant does best with moderate to strong light.

    Size- This plant will grow to fill its environment.

    Cultivation- With good light and water quality, this is a prolific plant. Must be
    thinned occasionally.

 

     This is possibly the best plant in the hobby for hiding fry and providing infusoria for just about any species,
     especially the tiny egg layers. It is prolific, not so dense that fish will get caught in it (But it does happen if
     allowed to get too dense), and it provides immediate security for any fish. Sprigs of this are put in with Killiefish
     eggs, as the infusoria and oxygenation provides a good head start for new fry. Bare bottom 5 and 10 gallon breeding
     tanks are moderately filled with Java moss before gravid livebearer females are released to have their fry- who quickly
     disappear into the the java moss, safe from predation as soon as they are born.

     However, when allowed to cover the bottom of an aquarium, for example, mulm will collect beneath it, and the bottom
     side of the Java moss mat will gradually die. Because it is so prolific, this can happen in just a couple weeks,
     causing water quality problems. It is a perfect plant for the ideal environment for eggs and fry before the adults are
     removed, and excellent for providing microorganisms for fry to feed upon, as well as helping with water quality.

     No other plant does what Java Moss does, as effectively. Najas grass and riccia can come close, but the fact that
    Java moss will live at all levels in the aquarium adds to its list of positives. lastly, It does not seem to be eaten
     by fish that are generally plant eaters.

     It does not root itself and can be placed anywhere, though it will generally sink. With maintenance to keep it under
     control it is very undemanding and hardy. When thinning, you also need to remove stray strands from growing over other
     plants, as it will cover and eventually smother other plants if allowed!

     It is also mildly salt tolerant, and will grow quickly with moderate to strong light.

     All of the tanks here are also treated with Rapid Grow Aquarium Plant fertilizer, assuring
     maximum growth.

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