Nicky Ang

Java Moss and Glossostigma experiences

By Nicky Ang. Categories: Aquascape. December 15, 2008

Someone asked me about some experiences in growing Java Moss and Glossostigma. So I’m re-posting my discussion here again.

Java Moss

Hmm… I love Java Moss. They require less demanding setups and can be planted easily. You can use basic DIY CO2 or no CO2 at all. Lighting at 2 to 3 watts/gallon. Minimum fertilization, perhaps fish food is already sufficient.

You can buy some driftwood and branches and tie the Java Moss on it. After about a month, it will grow out nicely, creating an illusion of “fine leaves on tree trunks”. Trim with scissors to keep them from growing too long.

Check out MAC forum:
http://www.my-mac.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=7
Here you can get lots of ideas on what to do with your tank.

Glossostigma

Glosso is definitely NOT for beginners.

In my blog posts here: http://nicky.my/?cat=4
there’s lots of info about Glosso and my observation.

In summary, Glosso will need AT LEAST the following setup:

  1. High lighting (about 4 to 5 watts/gallon). I’m using 4x PL fluorescent lights at 7.2 watts/gal. Sufficient lighting causes Glosso to grow horizontally, covering the substrate nicely. Insufficient lighting causes them to grow vertically, end up looking like bean sprout (taugeh).
  2. Pressurized CO2 tank, regulators, diffuser etc. You need to keep the pH at around 6.2 to 6.4. The DIY CO2 kit will only lower it to 6.7 at most, which is not enough of CO2. This depends on your tank size also. My tank is about 20 gal (80 liters), so I put at 2.5 bubbles / second.
  3. Fine substrate (about 1 to 1.5mm). I’m using the ADA Malaya/Africana Powder type. Glosso requires fine substrate because the root system is very fine and deep.
  4. Good fertilization. For a start, you need regular supply of Potassium and Iron. I use ADA Brighty K and ADA Step 1.
    If the conditions are right, you can see new shoots grow at 0.3 to 0.5 cm a day and it bubbles.

Algae like to infect Glosso and it causes them to die off quickly. So beware of algae in your tank. Make sure you can control the water parameters consistently to prevent algae outbreak. A bit of algae is OK.

You can get a very complete guide for Glosso here. I recommend you read everything before you start planting:
http://aendirect.com/aquarium/a-guide-to-glossostigma-elatinoides/



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