anyone keeping carpeting moss?

[floreta]

I've been trying to grow a carpeting moss in my 20 gallon, but it's not spreading like I hoped. Using Java Moss on a mesh, medium lighting, and dosing Excel daily. Anyone got tips to make it thrive?

[whipstar]

Java Moss can be a bit slow to start. What's your substrate? I've had better luck with a fine gravel or sand. Also, try trimming it lightly to encourage lateral growth. My 15 gallon took about 3 months to fill in.

[justonix]

I've got Christmas Moss in my 10 gallon, and it's doing great. I use a dirted tank with a sand cap, and it's spreading like crazy. Maybe switch moss types if Java isn't working for you.

[floreta]

Java Moss can be a bit slow to start. What's your substrate? I've had better luck with a fine gravel or sand. Also, try trimming it lightly to encourage lateral growth. My 15 gallon took about 3 months to fill in.

Thanks for the advice. I'm using Fluval Stratum, but I'll try trimming it more often.

[whipstar]

Stratum should be fine, but yeah, trimming is key. I also found that upping the CO2 a bit helped mine spread faster. Not full blast, just a little extra. You got any fish in there messing with it?

[justonix]

CO2 is a game changer for sure. I run mine at about 20 ppm, and the moss loves it. Also, keep an eye on your nitrates. Too high and it'll stunt growth. Mine sits around 10 ppm.

[whipstar]

CO2 is a game changer for sure. I run mine at about 20 ppm, and the moss loves it. Also, keep an eye on your nitrates. Too high and it'll stunt growth. Mine sits around 10 ppm.

Yep, nitrates are sneaky like that. I test mine weekly just to stay on top of it. What's your lighting schedule like?

[justonix]

I run my lights for 8 hours a day, split into two 4-hour periods with a break in between. Seems to keep algae down while giving the moss enough light. You might wanna try that if you're dealing with algae.

[floreta]

I'll give the split lighting a shot. Right now it's just 6 hours straight, and I've got some algae starting. Thanks for all the tips, everyone.