Moss?

[techman81]

My first scape has taught me a number of things, but one thing sticks out, Java and Phoenix moss don't play well with carpets. My carpet of Monte Carlo and Dwarf Hair grass are gradually being choked by the build up of both mosses that have made their way down into the turf. It's nearly impossible during trimming to stop the mosses, especially the Java, from ending up in every nook and cranny. I love the look of the Phoenix but it's really frustrating.

So the question is, what mosses do you recommend that are slower growing than Java, look as nice as Phoenix, and don't end up everywhere. Does such a moss even exist? I was also interested in trying Coral moss at some point for a Bonsai type scape but I've read it has the same issues, maybe even worse.

 

[Asher E.]

My first scape has taught me a number of things, but one thing sticks out, Java and Phoenix moss don't play well with carpets. My carpet of Monte Carlo and Dwarf Hair grass are gradually being choked by the build up of both mosses that have made their way down into the turf. It's nearly impossible during trimming to stop the mosses, especially the Java, from ending up in every nook and cranny. I love the look of the Phoenix but it's really frustrating.

So the question is, what mosses do you recommend that are slower growing than Java, look as nice as Phoenix, and don't end up everywhere. Does such a moss even exist? I was also interested in trying Coral moss at some point for a Bonsai type scape but I've read it has the same issues, maybe even worse.

I had the same problem. Would ricca work? Doesn’t it float? I know it’s not technically a moss, but it still grows like one.

 

[Unexpected]

Yep, as a Dutch guy, moss quickly becomes as bad as Duck Weed. I played around with Christmas Moss, nope. Java moss from now on. It seems the be the least virus acting moss.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

I don’t have this issue with my pilo moss. I may get a start strand here and there on a piece of stone or gravel, but it forms thick pillows on whatever surface it’s on, I’ve never had it choke out any plants.

 

[BenB]

Unpopular opinion, but I hate moss. I had it get under the silicone in the corner of a tank once. I broke the tank down and bleached it. The moss still grew back out from the seam. Once it gets going, you start finding little bits of it growing everywhere. Not that I won't use it again if I try to do a nature scape, but I'm not getting it unless it's really called for.

 

[techman81]

Just rewatched an old Green Aqua workshop video featuring Josh Sim. In it, Josh mentions how much he loves moss. LOL! I guess I'll never be a world champion aquascaper.