Lucy

Hey you plant people!
I just took some Java Moss out of my 20g. It was turning grayish, looked dusty and my tank started smelling swampy.
All I know about the lighting is it was florescent. The bulb went out a couple days ago and my husband disposed of it so I can't check the wattage.

The Java moss in my 10g's with incandescent bulbs and it's doing great.

Anyway, what would cause it to look gray, dusty and musty smelling?

Thanks!

Tony G.

My guess is that it was rotting. Lol this might sound funny, but was it slimy?

Nate McFin

I am not sure about the grey but the musty smell could mean Cyano (sp?) bacteria.

Lucy

lol, no more than java moss is usually slimy.

Isn't that blue/green algae? I don't have that in this tank. Had it in one of my betta tanks. What a mess that was to get rid of.

CHoffman

Mine is doing this too!!. I'd like to know as well.

Tony G.

hmm did you add new lights? Usually when the wattage is too high the java moss will darken, how many WPG are you running in it now? you may want to add some floating plants to dim the lights...

Lucy

I added a new light but the moss was like that from the old light. I don't know what the wattage was.

Nate McFin

Yes it is usually green or blue in color. The smell is the thing that made me think cyano as it does have a "moldy" kind of smell.
Lighting does affect the color of moss alot. When mine was right out in the light it was a brownish green. I moved it under some leaves of a sword and now they are much brighter green.
I am interested to see what others may have to say!
Do you have any pictures?

Tony G.

im out lol noooo clue!

Shawnie

hmm i have all iridescent lights...not sure if the florescent would do it or not..im sure many keep moss in florescent tho..its very low lighting so even the lights that come with your kits should be plenty...

TedsTank

Crazy!!! I have java moss in 4 of my 5 tanks. The 4 are on my front proch and get only daylight..very little direct sun. The java won't stop growing.

In my 55 gallon with 1 48" flourescent tube I cannot grow java moss, it gets gray and rots everytime!!.....BUT... the 55 is at approx 82 - 84 degrees...for the little discus. All other plants in there do great..... AND..... I use plant food in the 55 and none of the others??

Any help in that Temps high, fertilizers yes? Wont grow for me.

Lucy

Well. Hmmm. lol
Temp is 78-79ish, no ferts.

peacemaker92

My tank has that weird smell as well. I also have java moss in there and they seem to be facing the same problem as Lucy's but they still seem to grow but slowly.

Butterfly

Java Moss is really bad about getting food and other debris caught in it. Some times this can cause it to get algae in it. When I do water changes I wave my hand over it like I'm dusting it and you would be amazed at the stuff that comes out.
carol

Lucy

Thanks Carol, maybe it's a maintenance thing then. I'll give it a try.