Moss

[jgolden]

Hey all,

I've read from several sites that many of the mosses and plants in an aquarium are possible to survive on Terra Firma (as long as it's roots are kept sufficiently moist). Likewise, I've read from many sites that many of the mosses we incorporate into our tanks have actually been acclimated from above water.

So, Q: Has anyone here tried acclimating some of the local moss into their aquariums? With the damp weather we've been having (coupled with the high water table on my property), I have an amazimg crop of two different types of moss growing in the backyard. (one looks similar to Xmas moss, and the other is a low, very thick, very lush moss). I was thinking of harvesting a small bit of these mosses and, in my quarantine / nursery tank, try acclimating them. (I've already pulled up a small bit of the low, lush moss, just to see how messy it would be. It's apparently growing on a rag that had blown into the yard over the winter (or possibly in the fall) - the sample came up clean - full roots, with no soil, clay, etc... If it acclimates, this low one would make for an amazing cover.

Thoughts?

[jgolden]

Well, I took the plunge. I took samples of both types, and kept them in the nursery tank for the past week. They're actually starting to look greener than when I brought them in. So I transferred a big clump of the moss that looks a little like Xmas moss into the 150. I think I'm gonna need more... The American Flag Fish absolutely love it. They've been nibbling at it ever since I put it in. Also, as an unexpected turn, 1 pair of the AFF seem to be preparing the moss to lay eggs in it. (After 2 months with the AFF in the tank, they cleaned out the hair algae, but that's all. Within 1 day of having the moss present, the males colours have REALLY come out, and I've observed the one pair performing their ritual swim together over the moss several times in the last 12 hours. 2 other pairs have been circling the moss, but the male keeps chasing them away).

[sniggir]

very cool have to keep us posted and post some pic's

[babblefish1960]

There is a good book from the Ministry of Natural Resources on moss, lichens and tree rusts of Ontario, it is a good read, perhaps you could figure out what exactly you have there and keep us posted on the long term effects both on the water and the moss. You can pick up this inexpensive book at the library or any university bookstore.

Good luck with your experiment.