The Subwassertang / Java Moss Mix combines two of the most shrimp-compatible aquatic plants in the catalog in a single portion -- giving you both the distinctive rounded-lobe structure of Subwassertang and the fast-spreading, versatile character of Java Moss in one introduction. The two plants are complementary rather than competing: Subwassertang grows as a floating or loosely anchored mass of flat, rounded lobes that resembles no other aquatic plant and develops some of the densest and most diverse biofilm of any plant in the catalog; Java Moss spreads readily across any hardscape surface it contacts, filling gaps and covering substrate edges with fine-textured, fast-growing green. Together they provide a greater range of plant structure, biofilm character, and shrimplet cover than either plant provides alone, in the same water conditions and under the same minimal care requirements. Both are fully safe with all Neocaridina, Caridina, and snails.
Not RequiredCO2
65-80FTemperature
Low-MedLighting
What to Expect
Subwassertang
Distinctive rounded, lobed fronds unlike any other aquatic plant -- Subwassertang (Lomariopsis lineata) produces flat, overlapping rounded lobes that grow in an irregular, loosely branching mass -- a growth form that resembles liver moss or a flattened fern in miniature and is clearly unlike any moss, fern, or stem plant in the catalog. The individual lobes are smooth and distinctly rounded rather than needle-like or branched, giving Subwassertang a visual character that reads as unusual and interesting rather than a variation on a familiar form.
The densest and most diverse biofilm producer of any plant in the catalog -- the irregular, overlapping structure of Subwassertang fronds creates sheltered micro-environments between lobe surfaces where biofilm accumulates at a density that flat-surface plants cannot match. Shrimp and shrimplets work continuously between the lobes, often disappearing inside the mass for extended grazing sessions. The biofilm quality from Subwassertang is notably diverse -- the sheltered interior surfaces support a broader range of microbial communities than exposed flat surfaces.
Floats or anchors loosely -- highly flexible placement -- Subwassertang can be floated at the surface where it forms a spreading mat, weighted loosely to mid-depth, or pressed against hardscape where it gradually anchors over several weeks. It does not attach as firmly as moss but develops enough contact with hardscape surfaces over time to stay in place without support in most flow conditions.
Grows more slowly than Java Moss -- patience for full mass development -- Subwassertang grows at a measured pace, adding new lobes from the growing tips of the frond mass over weeks rather than spreading visibly week to week. A newly introduced portion takes several weeks to begin clearly expanding before entering a steadier growth phase. The slow initial pace is normal and not a sign of poor conditions.
Java Moss
Fast-spreading -- covers hardscape and substrate edges quickly -- Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) spreads laterally across any surface it contacts -- driftwood, stone, substrate, glass at the substrate junction -- more quickly than any other moss in the catalog. Within four to six weeks a portion pressed against driftwood or scattered across substrate begins clearly spreading and filling available surface area.
Attaches firmly to hardscape over time -- once Java Moss contacts a hardscape surface and begins establishing, it develops a progressively firmer attachment over weeks. Well-established Java Moss is not easily dislodged by flow or minor disturbance, making it one of the most reliable surface-covering plants for hardscape arrangements that need to stay in position.
Fine-textured branching fronds provide shrimplet cover and biofilm surface -- the fine, branching frond structure of Java Moss provides physical shelter for shrimplets at the scale of the plant's frond gaps -- small enough to conceal very young shrimplets while still allowing them to move through freely -- and develops a consistent biofilm coating across all frond surfaces that shrimp graze on continuously.
Requires periodic thinning once established -- in good conditions Java Moss grows quickly enough to need thinning every four to six weeks to prevent it from shading substrate, blocking hardscape detail, or growing over other plants. Thinning is straightforward -- pull away handfuls of the oldest, densest interior growth while leaving the actively spreading outer fronds in place.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1Separate the two plants on arrival and position differently -- Subwassertang and Java Moss serve different functions in the tank. Press Java Moss against driftwood or stone surfaces where you want hardscape coverage. Float Subwassertang at the surface, weight it loosely at mid-depth, or press it against a separate piece of hardscape as a floating mass anchor.
2Secure Java Moss to hardscape with cotton thread or super glue gel -- wrap cotton thread loosely around a clump of Java Moss and the target hardscape surface, or press against a small amount of gel super glue on a dry hardscape surface for 30 seconds before submerging. Java Moss begins spreading from the initial attachment point within two to three weeks.
3Low to medium light -- both plants perform well without high intensity -- both Subwassertang and Java Moss grow and look their best under low to medium light. Excess light encourages algae to establish inside the dense structure of both plants where it is difficult to remove. Consistent, moderate intensity and a stable photoperiod produce the cleanest long-term results.
4Fertilise lightly and consistently -- balanced liquid fertiliser two to three times weekly provides the water-column nutrition that supports steady growth in both plants. Neither plant is a heavy feeder, but consistent low-level nutrition produces more even, denser growth than intermittent fertilisation.
Bonus TipA hanging mass of Subwassertang weighted to mid-depth immediately behind a piece of driftwood covered with Java Moss creates the most complete shrimp activity zone achievable in a nano tank -- the Java Moss on the hardscape surface provides substrate-level biofilm and firmly attached cover, and the Subwassertang mass hanging behind it provides mid-water column cover and the dense interior biofilm that shrimp and shrimplets actively seek out for extended grazing. Together they cover the full vertical range of the tank from substrate to mid-water with complementary plant structures and biofilm characters.
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Browse more aquatic plantsPair this mix with Anubias Nana, Flame Moss, or floating plants for a complete low-light planted setup. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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