Pleco in a tank covered with java moss?

[Jeddi]

I know they like to scrape around driftwood and whatnot... I'm thinking about covering almost all of my tank with java moss. Is this a bad idea for a pleco or what? (bristlenose or clown pleco) Also, on a side note, whats your opinion on java moss overall? I just bought a whole bunch (i didn't use all of it since it grows like a monster. The rest of it is in a jar with some fertilizer) and I'm not sure if I should stick with it. I'm planning on getting some cory cats too and I'm not sure they'd like having the whole substrate covered with the moss...

Also, since algae grows on java moss, would my pleco probably try to eat it and eventually make a mess but stirring up the moss?

[rich311k]

I do npt think the fish would mind it at all. It will get stirred up a bit but I do not see it being a problem. Java moss can get messy as it grows and peices break off of it.

[Jeddi]

So do you think the java moss is a good idea? i have a 30 gal tank and its going to have the previously mentioned as well as some top dwellers and 10+ cherry barbs. I think the mos will be good if i breed but im not sure about otherwise

[Lady Hobbs]

Your fish should do fine with it but I have to say, I have proven to be the only person in the world who can not grow Java Moss! The glob I bought just two weeks ago is again brown and now about the size of my eyeball. I have failed badly in this department about 5 times now.

[Bristley]

Your fish should do fine with it but I have to say, I have proven to be the only person in the world who can not grow Java Moss! The glob I bought just two weeks ago is again brown and now about the size of my eyeball. I have failed badly in this department about 5 times now.

Maybe you should try to NOT grow it. lol.

Every time I don't want something growing it seems to grow like crazy so maybe this philosophy would work for you. lol.

[annageckos]

The biggest problem I have with my java moss is that it collects debris and needs to be cleaned often. How do you plan on attaching the moss? I would be afraid that if you use thread or fishing line that the plecos could get tangled in it. A few years ago I read a post(can't remember what fish forum) that a pleco got tangled up in the twine and roots of java fern and was cut up pretty bad. She got the fish out, but it wasn't easy and the fish was in bad shape. Just something to think about if you are going to have to attach large amounts of moss to your driftwood.

[Jeddi]

Well right now i just have a few pieces stick in the crevaces of my driftwood. im trying to train it to attach itself to the wood, and ill let it do its work from there. also, i know this wont mean that i can just forget about it, but if i added a few ghost shrimp, do you think theyd do a good job keeping the moss clean? also... if the moss ends up covering the bottom, what do i do about cleaning the gravel?

[annageckos]

Shrimp will help, but you still need to keep it clean. You would need more than a few to make a difference. You would clean it by hoovering the vac just over the moss and try stirring the debris up too. You will most likely suck up some moss.