What`s The Best Way To Look After Xmas Moss And Encourage Good Growth?

[elisew]

I`ve just attached some Xmas moss to some wood in the hope of getting a 'Tree' look to my 35L and would like some info or tips on how best to ensure that the moss grows well?

Also, the plants in my community tank, especially a big Amazon sword plant in there has started to look a bit pale/yellow and I`m not sure why so any info on this would be good too please

 

[Katch]

don't put it on too thick - if it looks bushy now you've put too much on and the lower layers will die off. I think the best way is to thin it out and lay small pieces over the wood till you have lightly covered the surface you're working on.

Then as with any plants - good circulation, appropriate lights and ferts (CO2 if available) - it also helps to trim it back as it grow - this makes it branch out more and become more bushy. Xmas moss is fairly slow growing - even in my high tech tank.

With regards the Swords - do you fert, what lights and any CO2? Swords are heavy heavy root feeders so you may just need to put some root tabs in - TPN+ capsules are a good slow release tab.

 

[elisew]

Thanks Katch

By the sounds of it I`ve done the moss ok, I have 11W lighting, circulation is pretty good but I don`t dose in the 35L as I wasn`t sure if it was ok with cherry shrimp and pygmy corys, should I dose?


In the community tank I have T5 2X39W lighting on for approx 8 hrs a day, running pressurised CO2 and dose Flourish Excel 2-3 times a week. FX5 filter so good circulation. I added tabs under the sand when I first scaped the tank a couple of months ago as it was easier to reach the bottom of the tank before I filled it, maybe they do need adding again though

 

[Katch]

got any pics? The swords might need thinning out a bit - they really dig their roots it and don't do too well if each plant doesn't have room to breathe so to speak.

You'll find the moss grows very slowly with 11w over 35 litres - i dose pretty heavy with pygmy corys and shrimp in my main tank - they seem fine.

 

[elisew]

The community tank has filled out a lot over the last couple of months so I agree with you about there possibly not being enough space.

Pics of yellowing Amazon sword and also one of the new Anubia leaves:






There are a few pics of my attempt at a 'Tree' are here:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/343267-rescaped-my-35l-badis-tank-inspired-by-wills/page__st__20

 

[elisew]

What else should I be doing to stop my plants turning pale/yellow? Is it just the tabs that I need to be adding again?

 

[Katch]

to be honest they don't look that bad - I almost wonder if they are just growing thinner leaves than normal due to rapid growth. My swords grow incredibly fast in my high tech and their leaves do seem thinner than under low tech conditions. It is hard to tell from the photo.

I would add some more tabs - thin them out a litte and wait and see.

 

[elisew]

to be honest they don't look that bad - I almost wonder if they are just growing thinner leaves than normal due to rapid growth. My swords grow incredibly fast in my high tech and their leaves do seem thinner than under low tech conditions. It is hard to tell from the photo.

I would add some more tabs - thin them out a litte and wait and see.

Thanks Katch, I`ll get to adding more tabs then.