Floating Moss

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) can generally be kept in most aquariums and bodies of water with temperatures ranging from 10 to 28 degrees Celsius. It will not only survive in aquariums that allow calcium carbonate deposition, but it also absorbs calcium from aquarium water, improving water quality. This moss needs to be submerged in order to stay hydrated. It also needs consistent water flow and good aeration., and will benefit from weekly water changes.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) does best in bright, indirect light, such as near a window or with a fluorescent bulb. It needs between 4 to 5 hours of light per day, and does not react well to direct sunlight. It thrives when it senses a variegated light schedule - lower levels of light in the morning or night and higher levels of light midday.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) prefers a temperature of 55-74°F (13-23°C) for optimum growth., and does not survive in freezing temperatures. Heat needs to be moderated during extreme weather conditions so that more stable temperatures are provided.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) needs plenty of humidity as it helps it to grow quickly. Ideal humidity levels should be in the range of 70% to 80%. To make sure humidity levels are provided with ease, they need to be monitored and managed regularly.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) grows on tufa and gravel. The dirt and gravel should be least a grainy size to provide enough support for the roots. Substrates that are too soft or too coarse will not provide enough stability for the moss to thrive.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) needs little to no fertilization to survive. Supplementing the aquarium with liquid nitrogen-and-phosphorous-based fertilizer can improve the moss’s growth rate. Fertilizer should be used sparingly and with caution, however, as an excess can harm the balance of the tank’s water parameters.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) is safe from insect and snail pests, and other aquatic pests. It can become home to different kinds of fungus and algae, as well as bacterial infections. To get rid of fungal and bacterial infections, it is best to remove the infected moss from the tank as soon as possible. To prevent future infections, keep the tank clean and monitor it daily. Mosaic viruses, which are spread through poor preventive measures, can also affect Floating Moss, and can be prevented by not trading moss with other aquarists and by keeping the tank clean.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) benefits from repotting every 12-18 months. The moss should be taken out of the gravel, submerged in water, and divided into small clumps with your finger or a comb before repotting. Place the moss clumps back in the aquarium after repotting.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) does not require pruning, as it does not grow too much. However, dead or rotting portions of the moss can be removed to prevent any growth of bacterias. Floating Moss also can spread onto or cover other aquarium elements, which should be taken into consideration and pruned if need be.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) requires very little mulching. You may find it beneficial to add some peat moss to the tank, as this will add vital nutrients to the moss. Mulching also helps to increase the pH of the aquarium, which is important for the moss’s growth.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) can be propagated from small pieces of the moss, as long as they are still joined to a central piece of the rhizoid. Once the piece is separated from the moss, it needs to be attached where desired in the aquarium with a thin wire. The moss will continue to grow in the new location, eventually covering the wire.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) can attach itself to any aquarium element, whether synthetic or natural, using the modified rhizoids located on its extremities. Passing a thin wire through the moss and bending it to the place where it will be attached will strengthen the moss’s hold.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) does not enter a rest period, and instead grows continually all year round. During certain periods of the year, the growth rate of the moss may be slower, but it will not stop growing.

Floating Moss (Riccia fluitans) is not toxic to people and pets. The only impact it may present is a potential to irritate skin in case of contact with moss in its natural state.