best moss

[boomer]

I'm looking for the best moss to use on wood that grows fast without CO2. I've narrowed it down to spiky moss or java moss. Can anyone tell me about their experience with these? I was surprised to see my LFS selling moss for $12 for a tiny portion - is it that expensive where you live?

I highly recommend Java Moss, despite the cost. In my experience, it grows relatively quickly, even in low-light conditions without CO2. I'd suggest using a moderate to bright light, though - it seems to thrive under those conditions. Additionally, I've found that warm water also promotes healthier growth. Nice tank, boomer.

I always have floating plants in my tanks, they're essential for me. I like the way they shade the light, it's more natural for forest fish. Plus, they help with nutrient uptake, like ammonia.

Your Java Moss will adapt to the light, I'm pretty sure of that. It's not a fan of changing conditions, but that's true for most plants. In my experience, moss takes its time to get going, but once it does, it expands really well. Just leave it alone and it'll thrive - give it the right light, nutrients, and water conditions.

[starlord]

Java Moss is the clear winner. I've found it grows well as long as you keep hair algae out of it - once they mix, it's a lost cause. Bright light works well, but not intense all-day light. An hour or so of filtered sunlight does the trick. Iron is a must-have for it, but I've had success without it in the past. I used to have a ton of it growing under a 40-watt Gro Lux, and even then, I only had it on half the time. It loved the bright window light, and my White Clouds would breed in it like crazy.

I also have some Christmas Moss, but it's a much slower grower and is really finicky without CO2. It can't handle even moderate currents, and it falls apart easily. I had to wrap it tightly around the wood just to keep it in place.