Liver moss in an aquarium: how to plant and properly care for it?

In addition to fish and decorative elements, moss is an integral part of every aquarium. To decorate the aquarium in the pet store, buy various flowering aquatic plants or algae. However, over time, they may lose their brightness and beauty, or they may not take root at all. Moss is a completely different matter, which is not whimsical to care for and can live and multiply in water for a long time. In this article, we will talk about the so-called liver, find out how to properly care for and plant it.

Liver moss, aka floating Riccia, known all over the world, is very often used by both experienced aquarists and beginners for decoration.

Its shape resembles a ball, the color of which is bright green in various shades.

Liver moss is characterized by rapid growth, due to which it covers the entire bottom of the aquarium. How quickly it grows is influenced by the conditions in which it is kept. This type of moss is unpretentious: it can withstand water temperatures above + 20 ° C and intense lighting. But stagnant water in the aquarium can badly affect the development. White spots and plaque that forms on the branches can be a signal of the disease.

But it is also worth noting that under the influence of constant air currents, the growth rate of hepatic moss increases. That's why it is advisable to cover the aquarium with glass.

Before we start discussing the basic questions about planting and care, let's find out what is the advantage of a plant like moss over its counterparts.

So, the pluses of the liverwort include:

• transforms the tank thanks to its bright color and interesting shape;
• guarantees the necessary mineral exchange;
• constantly saturates the water with the required volume of oxygen;
• plays the role of a filter;
• creates shade for the inhabitants of the tank;
• enables fish to build spawning nests;
• is the best breeding ground for the favorite dish of most fish - ciliates.

If you have decided that it is the liverwort that will be grown in the aquarium, you need to take care of the neighborhood before you start planting it.

Experts say that the plant is well compatible with various types of fish, plants and molluscs. This moss "gets along well" with:

• guppy;
• molliesia;
• barbus;
• fighting cockerels;
• by rasbora.

It is strongly not recommended to plant the liverwort in an aquarium where large individuals will live.

The growth rate of plants is so high that in a short period of time they will expand to the entire reservoir and begin to interfere not only with each other, but also with the fish.

Liver moss reproduces both sexually and vegetatively.

The initial landing site for the aquarium may be stone, porous ceramics or other decorative element that is in the tank.

In order for the moss to take root and start growing, you need to create favorable conditions for it.

• The water temperature should be within + 21 ... 28 ° C.
• The aquarium must be clean.
• It is necessary to monitor the appearance of new shoots and stop them. This is necessary so that old processes do not die off.
• Despite the fact that this plant can grow on any surface, it needs aquarium soil for its full development. It's all about the presence of beneficial bacteria in it, which take part in gas exchange and cleaning the aquarium.
• Bryophytes need good lighting. That is why you need to control the amount of light.

Liver moss is pretty easy to care for. Here are some must-have rules and guidelines.

• Despite the absence of a root system, mosses still need minerals and fertilizers. Special liquid fertilizers, which can be purchased at any pet store, work well.
• Can be fed with phosphates and nitrates. These additives contribute to the formation of the required amount of carbon dioxide in the water.
• Clean and filtered water is essential. This factor must be taken into account when choosing a filter for an aquarium - be guided by the indicators of the strength and uniformity of the flow of the mechanism.
• Remember to regularly change the water in the tank.
• Keep track of the volume of growth of new branches. Periodically, you need to trim them, giving the moss an aesthetic look.

The above rules for caring for bryophytes will make it possible to grow a beautiful plant, which will become a real decoration of the aquarium and a cozy home for its abodes.

For more information on this plant, see below.