Questions...

[BubblPopElectrc]

I have some experience with fish but I still have several questions. I'm thinking about buying a 10 gallon aquarium when I move.. just so I can have a fish. I *love* the look of a planted 'carpet.' Would it be possible for me to do this over the entire aquarium bottom? If so how would I do so? If I used java moss what type of lighting would I need?

I'm not really worried about fish right now.. I'll think about all that later.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[pseud]

Java moss doesn't require much to grow. It would do well with just the standard flourescent light that fits a 10 gallon tank. It's definitely possible to do (read Jim's thread: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=101806 )

I personally don't like the look of moss on the ground, I much prefer something like riccia or glosso.. or even better... Elatine Triandra (but you'll need higher lighting for these.)

 

[BubblPopElectrc]

Is Riccia readily avaliable?
Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Bloo]

You can order it from a few online suppliers - I've never seen it in a shop around here.
But it needs fairly high light to grow and thrive (mine didn't do well in less than 2wpg). And you need fish that won't mess with it and uproot it every night ! I've had too many disasters (fish get caught up in the hairnet that keeps the stuff down as it never roots) and hassle with it (it breaks off and just floats everywhere) that I've given up on it. I just don't have the time to faff with it that much.

But as for a carpet, Java moss looks "messy" I think, hairgrass seems prone to algae & traps debris and glosso need a fair amount of attention. Not quite sure what to advise as an entire carpet