Fairy Moss in an aquarium?

[Wycco]

I recall as a kid growing up our ponds would always have a healthy coating of fairy moss that we would scoop out from time to time as it over took the ponds.

From what I recall- the plant was orginally from a warmer clime than my native England- quite an attractive surface plant from my recollection that provided some hiding spots for the fish.

Has anyone ever tried to grow it in a tropical aquarium- say about 78F? I'm planning on getting some surface plants to provide pockets of shade for some of my fish.

I know frogbit is quite popular for this purpose- but I'm a little attached to fairy moss for sentimental reasons. Anyone ever see it for sale anywhere? I recall it used to propegate like crazy in the pond- wouldn't get eaten like the duckweed.

Any experiences?

 

[247Plants]

You are probably talking about Azolla?

If so it will grow just fine in your aquarium provided its basic needs are met. A light and a little bit of nutrients and it should be fine.

http://www.tricker.com/prod-p-azolla You can buy it there. Dont have any experience with them though.

 

[Kashta]

If you don't find some through other members here, Azolla is available from many places that specialize in water gardens.

Azolla caroliniana seems to be the variety most often sold. Azolla pinnata is on the Federal ban list, so avoid that one completely.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AZPI

 

[Wycco]

Yup!

That's the stuff... thank you. Was great, grew like crazy in the pond- assume it will do the same in an aquarium then... I was just a little worried about whether the heat of a tropical tank might be unfavourable for it.

Turns a reddish colour some parts of the year.

Not sure what colour it would be- red or green in an aquarium since the aquarium doesn't have seasons. I think it was late summer- early autumn that it would change colour if memory serves me correctly.