Wild Moss - What Are The Risks

[jimbooo]

Hi Gang,

i just recieved this PM so thought i'd post it on the senders behalf. i have no experience of using anything in my tank from the great outdoors. i can guess a few risks but i'm sure one of you can answer this more fully than me.

Hello,
I found your step by step on java moss on the tropical fish forum. It is very informative. I live in NH and have a stream behind my house and it is very marshy. There are many types of mosses. I don't know the types they are. I wanted to ask a question. Do you think I could put any of these in my fish tank? I wanted to add a little nature to my fish tank and what better way then to put something from my yard there. I would appreciate any thoughts. I tried to post this question to everyone but I can't seem to send it. Nancy

this is the member NH Nancy

thanks guys.

 

[jimbooo]

bumpety bump...

 

[Jen]

I think the greatest risk is just not knowing what is in the water. the stream could get run off from residental areas with things like fertalizer, or gasoline or oil... anything could get in there. Anything like that could potentially harm your fish. There could also be little critters living in there that could harm the fish... bugs and whatnot that the fish are not normally around in their native homes.

I can't say if you should or not. I know I personally wouldn't take plants from the stream by my house, but I live in a well established and heavily travelled area, so I know that water is not safe for my fish.

It's really up to you. If you think the water is ok, then by all means give it a shot.