The wonderful green of Java moss is indispensable in the aquarium. That's why the Southeast Asian plant is also popular in this country. At first, every new branch is welcome; no one thinks about using scissors. Because Java moss grows slowly and beautifully. But over time there may be reasons for cutting.
When and how should you cut Java moss in the aquarium?
Java moss in the aquarium can be cut back to shape, reduce tangles or remove dirt. Use sharp, clean scissors and carefully cut individual branches to create enough free space.
Natural growth
Java moss does not need any special living conditions in the aquarium because it is robust and adaptable and requires little care. Its growth is slow, but steady. Pruning for denser branching is not necessary. If the Java moss feels comfortable, its fine shoots will be very dense anyway. The form also develops in such a way that corrections are not necessary.
Design shape
If you don't like the shape that the Java moss in your aquarium has acquired over time, you can cut it back. Orientate yourself on the desired shape. Keep in mind that the Java moss grows slowly. Heavy pruning requires more time until the loss is made up again.
Thinning Java Moss
Java moss has many fine shoots that can become tangled together. A felt-like mesh quickly emerges. It may be that the moss still looks appealing. But suspended particles easily get stuck in this tangle of branches. The Java moss becomes more and more dirty over time. Thinning with scissors is one way to remedy the situation.
- use sharp, clean scissors
- cut off individual branches
- until there is enough free space in the green
Tip
Touch the Java moss gently when cutting. Individual parts can easily break off and float like thin threads in the water.
Sucking instead of cutting
If you don't want to take anything away from the Java moss, but still want to get rid of the dirt, you can also vacuum or wash the moss. Java moss, which is attached to the aquarium in such a way that it cannot be easily removed, makes it difficult to wash off. The only option is a dirt vacuum cleaner.
Even though the vacuum cleaner is often used in aquariums, Java moss must be vacuumed cautiously from a distance. If the vacuum cleaner gets too close to the delicate moss, damage cannot be ruled out.
