How much light does Java Moss need?

Low light, around 15–30 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of PAR. Watts are not comparable between fixtures; PAR is. If the manufacturer does not publish PAR, pick one band lower than the tank depth suggests.

Does Java Moss need CO₂?

It is optional. Marked "optional": with CO₂ it grows faster and tighter, without it still does fine.

What water does Java Moss want?

20–28 °C, pH 5.5–8, 2–15 dGH. At 13 dGH wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.

How fast does Java Moss grow, and where does it go?

Growth rate: medium. Placement: foreground / attached. Substrate: no substrate needed. Difficulty: beginner.

G-02 / 02Freshwater

Java Moss爪哇莫斯

Taxiphyllum barbieri · Hypnaceae

The toughest moss in the hobby; it wraps a stone in a fortnight, but keep it off the neighbours.

Illustration to come

G-02 / 02 · Java Moss Taxiphyllum barbieri

SpecificationsPlant atlas

Name: 爪哇莫斯
Scientific name: Taxiphyllum barbieri
Family: Hypnaceae
Origin: Stream rocks and tree roots of Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Light: Low light
PAR: 15–30
CO₂: Optional
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Growth: Medium
Placement: Foreground / Attached
Substrate: No substrate needed
Level: Beginner

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.20–28 °C

pH5.5–8

Hardness2–15 dGH

Alkalinity1–10 dKH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Growing notes

1Fix it with cotton thread, a mesh pad or simply a rock crevice; new shoots cover the tie-down in about two weeks, after which the thread can come off.
2Trim it flat with scissors and leave a layer one or two centimetres thick; uncollected fragments drift everywhere and take root.
3It is tidiest between 22 and 26 °C and yellows and thins above 30 °C.
4It lives without CO2, though injected CO2 makes the side shoots denser and the colour brighter.
5In low flow it collects organic debris and eventually blackens and rots from the base, so rinse it during water changes.

Frequently asked questions

How much light does Java Moss need?: Low light, around 15–30 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of PAR. Watts are not comparable between fixtures; PAR is. If the manufacturer does not publish PAR, pick one band lower than the tank depth suggests.
Does Java Moss need CO₂?: It is optional. Marked "optional": with CO₂ it grows faster and tighter, without it still does fine.
What water does Java Moss want?: 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–8, 2–15 dGH. At 13 dGH wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.
How fast does Java Moss grow, and where does it go?: Growth rate: medium. Placement: foreground / attached. Substrate: no substrate needed. Difficulty: beginner.