Should Java Moss look This drab - Aquascaping

RamonM · 07-09-2019, 12:34 AM

Aloha,

Here is a picture of my Java Moss. Should it look this drab (the pictures online look much greener).

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Michael · 07-09-2019, 08:14 AM

Welcome to APC!

Just from the photo, I say no. What are conditions like in your tank?

RamonM · 07-09-2019, 05:33 PM

Hi,

The temperature is 81°F, ammonia and nitrates are at 0ppm. The PH is 6.6. I change 30% of the water once a week.

I dose with Seachem Flourish Iron daily, Flourish and Flourish Excel weekly. I am injecting CO2.

I had my Fluval AquaSky LEDs to a setting with low blue, for 14 hours a day. I changed that today to this

as per recommended by Fluval in a Twitter post for low light plants.

I’ve ordered Seachem Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potassium. I’m installing a UV light to control algae and bacteria.

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Michael · 07-10-2019, 06:10 AM

Try lowering the temperature if you can. Most mosses like cooler water, and will look like yours if the water is too warm. I don't think light or fertility is the problem.

RamonM · 07-10-2019, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

Try lowering the temperature if you can. Most mosses like cooler water, and will look like yours if the water is too warm. I don't think light or fertility is the problem.

Lowering the temperature is going to be the great challenge. A chiller is out of my budget. I’ve been looking to installing fans. For a 55g tank I am still looking at fans that would lower the temperature sufficiently.

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Michael · 07-10-2019, 12:46 PM

Are you in Hawaii? Is there any seasonal temperature change in your location? I don't know how much temperature change yoiu can accomplish with fans, but it is worth a try. Also, do you have a canopy or hood over the tank? If so, remove it and try an open-top tank.

During our hot summers, I usually have several small patio ponds going. Even with shade, water temperature stays in the low to mid 80s. When I have tried to grow moss in these tubs, it turns stringy and brown like your photo and usually dies before the end of the summer.

RamonM · 07-12-2019, 10:04 PM

The temperature is very steady in Hilo, Hawaii. But in August it will be an oven inside the house. I ordered a chiller.

I’m going to make screens to replace the lids.

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Michael · 07-13-2019, 06:53 AM

Hilo is a beautiful place, but you know that already, LOL.