Java Moss Tank Backdrop Made Easy

As a general rule, live plants will take the edge off an otherwise stark tank.  But a java moss wall can really set things off inside your betta's watery world. Creating a green backdrop to showcase their fins and colors.

One nice thing about java moss is no heavy fertilizing is required.  In fact like most water plants it will absorb what it needs from the water.  Nitrites are a particularly favorite food.  In fact bettatalk.com did a quick test on how well it absorbs nitrites.  The water quality of the jar with the java moss and betta tested out far and away to be much better than the jar housing a betta without.  This alone makes a compelling case for having some of this stuff in your tank.

Tip: Regardless of where you get it from it's always a good idea to dip your moss into a 5% bleach solution to kill off potential pathogens and wipe out any unwanted hitch hiking snails and so forth before adding it to your aquarium. 

Oh and another selling point here is it's easy on your betta's best feature, their fins. Even better this species of aquatic plant is almost what you'd call bullet proof.  It's just about impossible to put in a tank suitable for bettas only to find that a clump of the stuff doesn't thrive.

Tip:  The moss may suffer a bit of a setback initially.  That's okay. It's adjusting to the new water parameters and lighting conditions.  It will be fine in no time.

Nor does it require first class accommodations to do well.  It will do well so pretty much regardless of the temperature although it may prefer cooler temps.  And it's not all that demanding when it comes to light either.  Even ambient light will suffice most of the time.  And if you pay just the slightest bit of attention to the lighting it will really take off and grow like crazy. 

As most any moss, java moss lacks a real root system.  You need some way to hold it in place.  You can tie it, attach it to mesh or some like to set up a java moss wall much like this video tells you how to do:. 



This video starts off with a list things you'll need to create your java moss wall.  That would include

1. Plastic crafters canvas or mesh
2. Plastic canvas needles
3. Fishing line
4. Suction cups with hooks that you run thru the mesh from a craft store
5. Of course clumps of java moss

If you wish for your "wall" to cover the entire back wall of your tank you'll need to measure and cut the canvas or mesh to the right size.  That is the right size when doubled over. 

Basically the approach commonly used requires creating a pouch. In this case it's done by stitching three edges closed.  Stitching seems easier than tying a series of knots along the edges as some suggest.  The idea is the same either way however. 

Next you want to stuff the pouch with sprigs of the moss.  Spreading it out over the entire area.  The more moss you use the thicker your wall vegetation.  Some LFS sell java moss by the pound.  Which is likely the deal wall builders want to find. 

Once the moss is all stuffed in, then stitch up the final side so no fish gets caught. 

Finally attach your suction cups to hold it against the back of your tank.  Flush. You don't want your inquisitive betta to try to go where no betta has gone before and drown.  Not exactly a life span extending move by your betta fish, I know. But don't underestimate their ability to do this. 

CONCLUSION: Okay so maybe a java moss wall isn't for everyone, but the affect can be lovely.  It softens or takes the edge off the tank and can remind you of the ivy in Wrigley Field for those who follow baseball.  Just don't start with the betta batter up stuff, okay?