Tank Requirements

When grown underwater in a tank, the plant has several requirements that should be considered during tank set up to mimic its natural damp, warm Southeast Asian habitat.

Java mosses need a surface to grow on, but they’re not picky — the moss will grow on substrate, driftwood, stones, glass surfaces, and tank decorations.

Moderate or dim tank lighting for 8–10 hours per day is fine because the plant is used to growing in shaded conditions in the wild. Bright lighting allows the plant to grow densely but increases algae growth.

The moss is used to moderately warm waters and tolerates temperatures up to 86°F, but it grows fastest in water with a temperature of around 75°F.

Tank Conditions

Ideal tank conditions for the Java moss are:

Water type:	Slightly acidic to neutral freshwater
Tank size:	Minimum 5 gallons
Water temperature:	59–86°F
Required substrate:	Substrate not necessary — grows on any surface
Tank placement:	Carpeting
Acidity:	5.0–8.0 pH
Water hardness:	6–20 dGH
Light type & strength:	Low to moderate aquarium lighting
Hours of light:	Around 10 hours
Water heater:	Not essential

The Java moss adapts well to fluctuating water parameters. However, the plant grows fastest in aquariums with good carbon dioxide content and clean water conditions.

Tank Placement & Aquascaping

Java moss doesn’t have roots, which means it can be grown on a variety of horizontal and vertical surfaces inside an aquarium. The easiest use of the plant is carpeting for the bottom of the tank.

Because the moss grows dense and short, it’s ideal for covering-up unattractive features in an aquarium, like plastic decorations.

This moss is a popular aquascaping plant, and it looks attractive when grown on a piece of driftwood assembled in the tank to look like a small tree. The plant quickly spreads from its original clump if not trimmed.

Java Moss Carpet/Walls

A popular way to grow Java moss is as a carpet or wall. This provides your tank with an aesthetically pleasing floor or wall and is easy to maintain.

To create a carpet, you will need two pieces of mesh and some fishing line or thread. It’s important to make sure that all the materials you put into your tank are non-toxic.

Lay down your first piece of mesh, and lightly cover it with Java moss. You can cut bits off to arrange them so they sit flat, don’t worry about keeping it whole. Once you have good coverage, place the second piece of mesh on top, and use thread to secure the two pieces together.

The sandwiched moss can then be placed into the tank and will slowly start to grow through the mesh, providing you with a visually stunning bed of moss that you can use to cover the floor or the wall.

Alternatively, you can weigh the moss down to create a carpet. In order to do this, sprinkle a light layer of gravel over it to hold it down as it attaches itself to the floor of the tank.

Java Moss Trees

Java moss can also be used to create trees, using a piece of driftwood that stands vertically. Ideally, you’d choose a piece of wood that gives a tree-like appearance, with a few branches extending outwards.

Alternatively, you can tie a number of pieces of wood together to form a tree shape. Remember any glue you use should be suitable for aquarium use.

Collect your Java moss. If you’ve taken it directly from your tank, you’ll need to gently pat it off taking care not to dry the moss out.

Using small amounts of glue, attach the moss to your branches in small amounts. Once you’ve attached all your moss, trim off any extra, wispy bits to create the tree-shaped look.

Then place the moss tree into your tank.

How to Plant Java Moss in the Aquarium

All Java moss should be cleaned in a bleach mix before being added to an aquarium, because the plant can carry pests or nuisance algae.

Some Java mosses are delivered already attached to a surface such as a piece of driftwood, which should be carefully peeled off before cleaning the moss.

How to Safely Introduce Java Moss into Your Tank

To clean a Java moss in preparation for introduction into a tank, follow these steps:

1. Place the Java moss in a bucket of clean, plain water.
2. Gather two more buckets, cleaning gloves, unscented bleach, de-chlorinator, and tap water.
3. Mix one part bleach and 20 parts tap water in one bucket. Prepare the second bucket with water and one dose of de-chlorinator, measuring according to the product instructions.
4. Put on the cleaning gloves and fully submerge the moss for 90 seconds inside the bleach-water solution.
5. Immediately transfer the plant to the bucket of de-chlorinator and leave it to soak for five minutes.
6. Transfer the moss to your tank.

How to Plant Java Moss

To establish the moss quickly, separate it into thin, 2-inch pieces to allow the maximum amount of light to hit the leaves and stems. Place the plant pieces on the substrate, a rock, or other flat surface and allow several days for the plant to anchor.

In order to plant Java mosses on challenging surfaces, such as the curved edge of driftwood, tie the plants in place with fishing wire. Leave the wire in place until the plants attach to the surface on their own, then use scissors to snip the wire.

Care & Growing Guide

Java mosses are hardy plants that grow steadily in most water conditions. They’re easy to care for because they don’t need special nutrition or specific water conditions, and they don’t overwhelm the tank with excessive growth.

Nutrition

Fertilizer and CO2 can be used to encourage the Java moss to grow faster than normal. However, these extra nutrients aren’t necessary if the moss lives with fish, and hair algae are likely to grow if the plant is over-fertilized.