Java Moss: The Ultimate Guide (How to Make it Grow, Design Ideas & More)

Java moss is a favorite amongst aquarium hobbyists.

It has roots in the country of Java, as well as neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

As its popularity rose, the plant began to be farmed like any other aquatic plant.

This popularity is primarily due to its relative ease of installation, care, and growth.

About Java Moss

Java moss makes a nice addition to any tank yet it requires no special gravel or base layer to thrive.

Even better, it can attach to gravel or substrates which has the added benefit of keeping it from circulating with the water currents in your tank.

In addition, it will attach itself to almost anything in your tank that sits still for long enough, including commercial decorations, rocks, and even driftwood.

A little will go a long way!

What is required to grow Java Moss?

Part of this plants popularity has to do with it being an easy plant to grow, which in addition to it’s looks, makes it a great choice for aquarists of all levels from beginner to expert.

Let’s go over a few things that you should pay attention to in order for your java moss to thrive.

Lighting

Water circulation, proper base layers, and adequate plant life are all important aspects to setting up an aquarium.

One thing that might get overlooked is the lighting solution. There are several different lighting solutions on the market today, all of which could be used to assist in growing java moss.

If you are an impatient type (and really who isn’t a little impatient at heart?) you will want to saturate your java moss with light.

Aquarium lighting solutions, important for a variety of reasons, can be used to assist java moss to grow at a faster rate.

When you are first starting out with java moss, consider adding some additional lighting sources (even outside of your tank) to speed up the process.

Research the lights needed according to your tank’s size and shape, as well as the type of lighting solutions your plant life requires.

But be forewarned; much like a small amount of java moss can turn into a large covering of the plant, a little bit of light goes a long way as well.

Any medium level lighting solution will encourage growth in short order just as too much light will encourage too much growth, so keep an eye on your java moss installation.

Another way to make for speedy growth is to add fertilizer (Check out my post on fertilizing method). There are a variety of fertilizers available so pick out a type that will work for your particular setup. One such fertilizer is Seachem Flourish Tabs 10 Count.

Placement

Java moss can be placed into the tank’s base layer and given free reign, made into a wall or you can attach the plant to (or around) decorations in your aquarium, such as rocks or driftwood.

Water Conditions

All plants require water to grow and java moss is no exception.

Well-circulated and clean water in an aquarium is extremely beneficial.

What’s more, java moss is known to thrive in circulating water currents.

It is so well suited for moving water that some aquarium owners have been known to grow their java moss outside the tank, in small, fast moving creeks or waterways in order to get the plant in good working order and only then transplanting it into the tank.

In addition to circulating water, your water temperature should be around 21-23 ºC for ideal conditions but the plant can do well all the way up to 32ºC

Maintenance

In order to keep your plants under control you will need to trim the moss periodically to your liking. Other than that the plant is very simple and flourishes on it’s own

Common Issues

One word of warning when it comes to moving water and java moss though—the mixture of moving water and small java moss elements have been known to clog up an aquarium’s filter.

Strands of the plant can become loose and plug up a power filter, slowing the filtration process and, in the worst of cases, damaging your equipment.

Remember to keep a very regimented cleaning schedule that includes weekly vacuuming in order to move out uneaten food, plant particles, and fish waste, all of which can clog your filter and inhibit growth.

Design Ideas for Java Moss

Creating Carpet Coverage

It’s is also well known as a good source of carpet coverage.

Some aquarium owners like to grow a short, grassy covering on the bottom of their tanks, known as carpets, in order to fill out the aquascape.

It can grow completely immersed in water, making it a great candidate for a carpeting solution. (I’ve created an infographic on aquarium carpets)

Java Moss Trees

This type of moss can easily be paired with tree-like wood such as driftwood to make a wonderful mossy tree.

You can attach the moss to a tree by using some string to tie it or by using a plant glue.

The moss will spread around the wood as it grows to increase coverage so you simply need to attach a few pieces of java moss to your tree and watch it grow!

Java Moss Wall

Another useful way to aquascape with java moss is to create a wall, the vertical equivalent to a carpet.

To do this you should use mesh to get the process started, simply attach several pieces of moss to the mesh and then attach the mesh to your aquarium using suction cups. This will help the wall stay in place until the java moss fully takes hold.

Coverage for Small Fish

Java moss is also a great hiding place for smaller fish and helps protect them from larger predators. When raising fly (baby fish) or tadpoles this is especially helpful so that the offspring can go on to mature and live a happy life.

The little fish can also feed on the moss when they are hiding amongst the leaves – pretty cool right!

Closing Thoughts

As we have discussed, java moss is a great solution for carpeting, walls, trees and hiding places for any aquarium.

Remember, make sure to have a well-circulated water system and plenty of light before you begin.

Once you get the java moss itch, it might be hard to shake!