Growing Java Moss

**Strider199** · 12-29-2011, 07:53 PM

I have a 2 gallon plastic tank that I have on my computer desk which for the last few months has only had some Java moss in it. The sun hits this tank during a few hours of day light and I'm surprised that algae isn't an issue.
My question is; the Java moss is growing but not at the rate I expected. I put it in there when it was about the size of an orange and after a few months it's about the size of a softball. Would adding Excell encourage growth or would the algae just get out of hand?
This java moss will be going into my cherry shrimp tank tied to the slate I have in it.
How can you get Java moss to really explode?
Thanks in advance.

**MCHRKiller** · 12-29-2011, 10:08 PM

Java moss is not a very fast growing plant, the addition of Excel and nutrients such as Flourish will help growth. Do you have an additional light source other than just sunlight?

**Alasse** · 12-29-2011, 10:19 PM

Java moss, i find it grows fairly quickly with no ferts etc added

6 weeks later, and it had been trimmed in that time

**Alasse** · 12-29-2011, 10:25 PM

The above tank is medium light

This one is VERY low light (gets a bit of morning sun)

4 weeks and a few days later

Again no fertz or anything added

**SLeen** · 12-29-2011, 11:32 PM

maybe it's what you have your moss growing on, is it attached to a rock or driftwood? or nothing?

**Alasse** · 12-30-2011, 03:44 AM

The 1st tank it was not attached to anything

2nd tank is is attached to driftwood and rocks

**dbosman** · 12-30-2011, 03:56 AM

Java moss will grow really well if you ignore it. My problem lately is getting rid of it. I hate tossing it, but it's too cold to ship cheaply.

Some ferts will help. Not too much though. About the equivalent of a half dozen fish pooping regularly. Excel will help, but be careful dosing. Too much will retard growth. I'd skip the initial does recommendation and just start with the normal daily dose listed on the bottle.

**Strider199** · 12-30-2011, 02:11 PM

The moss I have in this little tank is free floating/sitting, with no fish or shrimp in it for nutrients. I think I will add a bit of liquid plant food and see how it does. I really dont want to get a light for this little plastic tank so it's just daylight at the moment.
Thanks everyone for the replies.
Nice pictures Alasse.