Morphing or invaders?

[chooz]

I have been growing the java moss tied to driftwood for the past 1 year. During this period, it has prospered and then turned brown. Recently, I noticed a lot of new growth but they are very thin and long, with very tiny leaves.

Is the java moss morphing into another form? Or another moss species has over taken the original one?

You can see the original java moss with bigger leaves (turned brown) in the foreground and background of this photo, and the new bright green stalks with very tiny leaves.

[stephan]

its still java moss.

When its too hot mosses turns dark and stop growing or die. New growth starts when conditions are better, unbranched forms with small leaves indicate low co2/high temperatures.

[chooz]

hmmm....

The condition should still be the same: 6 hrs of light at 2 WPG and weekly dosing of Seachem Flourish Excel.

When the moss die initially, I thought it couldn't stand the Flourish Excel. But I continued for the benefits of other plants in the tank. And then the moss grows back in another form.

Quote "unbranched forms with small leaves indicate low co2/high temperatures." Really?

[stephan]

Yes really. All plants need CO2. Even mosses require some but not necessarily pressure injected. Low CO2 can also be due to high temperatures, high KH/pH or simply reduced water flow.

Flourish excel does not provide bryophytes with the carbon they need and if slightly overdosed will kill many types.

Also...6hrs of light is too little for good growth. You need 8hrs minimum.

regards
Stephan