Christmas Moss vs Java Moss – A Comparison
Aaron Boyd
When you think about a beautiful tank there are quite a few things that come to your mind. A proper filter that keeps the water healthy, your choice of substrate, and beautiful fishes swimming here and there makes a perfect image.
You also will want to add some broad-leaved plants and some floating ones as they further contribute to perfection.
What about aquatic mosses? Have you ever considered them for your aquarium? Do you even know what they are?
Well, mosses are an amazing addition to any fish tank. Not only they make the tank look good but offer quite a few benefits.
The most commonly used mosses are Christmas Moss and Java Moss about which we shall learn in detail through Christmas Moss vs Java Moss comparison.
But before that, let us learn about mosses in general and about some benefits that they offer.
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Table of Contents
What Are Aquatic Mosses?
Aquatic mosses are basically bryophytes and do not have vascular tissues. Owing to the absence of vascular tissues they cannot effectively transport nutrients and water. This is why they grow just a few inches in height.
These mosses do not produce seeds or flowers. Instead, they produce spores and these spores are carried by water or wind to areas that are fit for germination.
These mosses are added to tanks not only because they look good but because of the many benefits they offer. For instance, aquarium mosses help improve the quality of the water by absorbing nitrates and other nutrients present in the water column.
Like other living plants mosses too produce oxygen. This can prove helpful in maintaining the right oxygen levels in the aquarium.
Also, the aquatic mosses prove to be immensely helpful in breeding tanks. They are a good spawning medium mainly for egg-scattering fishes. Any newly hatched fry can hide in these mosses and feel safe.
Microscopic organisms have a tendency to thrive around mosses. So, if you cultivate them in your breeding tank it can also offer food to the newly born fry.
Now that we have a brief understanding of aquatic mosses and their benefits lets us begin the Christmas Moss vs Java Moss comparison.
Firstly, let us get to learn about both these mosses in detail.
Christmas Moss Review
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This beautiful moss gets this name because of its leaves which have a triangular structure and look like fir tree branches. It originally comes from Brazil and is now popular everywhere in the world.
Usually, aquarists use it to create a carpet or wall in their tank. It is known to help remove nitrogen and thus can be quite helpful.
Water Needs, Growth and Maintenance
To grow [amazon link=”B077SGSFF2″ title=”Christmas Moss” link_icon=”amazon” /], you will need to make sure the water is light and quite warm. The plant can thrive in water between 18-degree centigrade to 26-degree centigrade. The ideal pH for this moss is between 6 – 7.5 pH.
When the water is warm, the Christmas Moss will grow faster. As it usually grows flat you can use it to cover big pieces of rocks and driftwood. Be patient, and you will see they get covered completely.
You may even use them to make a carpet at the base of your tank. But chances are it can then invite the problem of algae.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the Christmas Moss does need trimming. It is not necessary but yet recommended for proper growth and survival.
Some Issues That You Might Face
Algae can be a problem here, as is in the case of most other mosses. If you do not maintain the right water parameters, then algae can start growing in your Christmas Moss.
To control the growth of algae, you can introduce some algae-eating species like shrimps and fishes.
If the Christmas Moss is not trimmed the plant may even die. It may not happen in all cases, but if the leaves have started turning brown then you must begin trimming without delay.
Chances are you will face this problem soon after you buy and add the Christmas Moss to your tank. This is because there is a sudden change of setting. It may also occur if there are changes in the water parameters.
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Video: “How to build a Christmas moss background wall”
Java Moss Review
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Java Moss originates from Southeast Asia and is the most preferred type of moss. It is extremely easy to grow. If compared to various other plants and also other mosses,
Java Moss is highly durable. It grows and remains green in even harsh water conditions, wherein anything else will likely get killed.
[amazon link=”B01NBB2GEJ” title=”Java Moss” link_icon=”amazon” /] prefers moving waters. If you have chosen this moss you should ideally attach it to some structure, roots, or rock, or anything else.
If there is current present in your tank and you have left your Java Moss unattached it can cling to any tubing it comes across. This is something you will certainly never want to happen.
These mosses do not have any roots but have rhizoids, which are quite like the roots, but they do not absorb any nutrients. It is the stems and leaves of these plants that carry on this process.
Water Needs, Growth and Maintenance
Java Moss can easily survive and grow in various types of water conditions, and in fact, this is also one of the reasons behind its popularity. It can thrive in various water temperatures and pH levels.
However, there certainly are some water parameters that will help this moss grow better.
The best temperature suitable for the growth of Java Moss is anywhere between 20-degree centigrade and 24-degree centigrade.
If you maintain this temperature in your fish tank it will promote coloration and growth. This moss grows in a slow to medium rate and needs almost no light.
The ideal pH level for Java Moss is between 5.5 and 8.0, and the hardness required is up to 20 dGH. Though there is no compulsion, if you want to enjoy an even better growth you may add CO2.
Also, make sure once you have set this plant in the desired location, never move it. Else, it will stop growing properly ever again.
Not only are the growth requirements of Java Moss really few, but you also do not even have to worry much about their maintenance. All you ever have to do is trimming, and even then, it is really your choice. If you allow it to grow wildly then too it will only look attractive.
In case you want to trim it, simply do so with the help of your regular scissors. But, be careful and do not move it at all.
Some Issues That You May Face
Algae is the sole issue that you may have to witness with Java Moss. This basically depends on how properly you are managing your aquarium.
Usually, if the water conditions are bad for a while it is then that algae will appear. It may even appear if you have used CO2 to enjoy better growth.
Small amounts of algae are fine, but if not controlled, it can cause trouble. If algae get a deep hold of your Java Moss then you will not be able to remove it ever. In such situations, you will need to remove the moss and plant a new one.
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Video: “Java Moss Aquarium Plant Profile”
Christmas Moss vs Java Moss
Now that we have learned about both these popular mosses, let us draw a comparison and learn about the similarities and differences.
What do they share in common?
- Both of them make your tank look beautiful.
- They look quite similar.
- Both of them can invite the problem of algae, which must be timely controlled.
How are they different?
- Java Moss grows better in cooler water but Christmas Moss requires warmer water.
- Christmas Moss is a slow grower but Java Moss grows very fast.
- Java Moss requires a little trimming but the need for trimming is comparatively more in case of Christmas Moss.
- Christmas Moss requires a little light to grow whereas Java Moss needs almost no light at all.
- Java Moss needs almost no care at all, but it will be a good idea to take a little care of Christmas Moss to help it grow and look better.
- Christmas Moss is a good option if you want to cover driftwood or rocks completely. But if you desire to fill in some empty spots then Java Moss can be a better option.
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Conclusion
When it comes to growing aquatic mosses in your aquarium, you have many choices. We have already learned about the two most popular ones through the above-given Christmas Moss vs Java Moss comparison.
Both these mosses will certainly make your tank look more beautiful, and your fishes will enjoy their presence too. No matter which one you choose you will be happy for sure.
There is just one thing you need to remember and that is to maintain proper conditions in your aquarium.
The better the conditions in your tank easier will it become for your moss to grow. Always try to maintain good water quality and stable water temperature and then you will not likely have to face any trouble at all.
