Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know if it's possible to use temperate mosses from NJ in a tropical vivarium? I need something to grow on the tree fern fiber panels on the back of my tank, and I can't find any tropical tree moss for sale on the internet. Do temperate mosses require a dormancy or will they grow well in a tropical tank?

I've never had any luck with temperate zone mosses in a tropical tank, although others differ with me on this-- They are of course seasonal, so go dormant, and then require somewhat more light "in season." I've never been able to make them stay around. I use Java moss now almost exclusively. It doesn't have the same "mowed lawn" type surface, but it will grow anywhere there is moisture, a modicum of light, either on a wet surface or under water in an aquarium. It now grows up some of my waterfalls. It's almost TOO enthusiastic, so sometimes needs trimming back and ripping out of water ways--all easy to do.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus

Yes, they will grow for a while, but eventually they will need a "resting period". You can either get tropical moss or just periodically bring in new moss. Either will work.