Aquarium mosses

Aquarium mosses are small, fine-leaved plants that attach to wood, stone or mesh. They add a natural, aged look to any layout and are a favorite in shrimp tanks, because they trap biofilm and give baby shrimp and fry a safe place to hide.

• Java moss: the easiest of all; grows in low light, without CO2 and across a wide temperature range.
• Christmas moss: more structured, with triangular fronds; grows slower and looks neater.
• Flame moss: grows upward in twisted tufts, great for "trees" on wood.
• Marimo ball: technically an alga, not a moss; very slow, prefers cool water and should be turned occasionally. Buy from trusted sources, as some batches have carried invasive zebra mussels.

To attach moss, spread a thin layer over the surface and tie it with cotton thread or fishing line, or use a little gel glue. Thin layers attach better than thick clumps, whose lower parts turn brown.

Trim mosses regularly so they do not trap debris, and blow detritus out with a turkey baster during water changes. In tanks with excess nutrients and poor flow, mosses can tangle with hair algae, so keep good circulation and moderate light.

Aquarium mosses