If you are looking for a lively, bright, and unusual decoration for your aquarium, be sure to check out Riccia. This floating plant, reminiscent of an emerald lace cap, can transform any home pond. It does not require planting in the ground and creates wonderful natural shelters for fry and shrimp.
Riccia is known for its unpretentiousness and rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for aquarists of all levels. However, it has several interesting forms that differ in appearance and maintenance requirements. Knowing these nuances will help you choose the perfect option for your aquarium and avoid common mistakes.
In this article, we will talk about popular varieties of this plant and give simple practical tips for caring for it. You will learn how to control its growth, what lighting Riccia prefers, and how to use it to create amazing underwater landscapes.
Description
Riccia belongs to the class of liverworts (Marchantiopsida). A distinctive feature of the plant is the absence of stems, flowers, and a root system. The bryophyte (moss) consists of branching and intertwined twigs and plates about 1 mm thick, forming a dense, lush carpet on the water surface. The root system is replaced by rhizoids, which are thread-like growths. With their help, the plant obtains nutrients and can attach itself to various surfaces.
The usual color of Riccia is light green. Reddish-brown and brown tones may indicate plant disease, lack of nutrition or lighting, or the presence of harmful chemical compounds in the aquarium. The color changes to a darker shade when spores form and the plant withers.
Varieties
There are about 200 known species of this plant. It is widespread in temperate latitudes, tropical and subtropical water bodies. The first detailed description of Riccia can be found in the works of the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, and since the 18th century, this bryophyte has been cultivated as an ornamental plant. Today, about 60 species can be found in home water bodies. They have only minor differences, and their appearance largely depends on the conditions in which they are kept.
Two varieties are most commonly used in aquariums:
Floating Riccia
This plant is light green in color. Its stems are filled with oxygen, which keeps the picturesque carpet on the surface of the water. If desired, islands of moss can be fixed to the bottom.
Riccia amano
It is located under water, its branches are thicker, longer, and rich green in color.
Impact on the aquarium ecosystem
The plant grows rapidly, so some aquarists refuse to breed it, believing that the dense mass will clog the water. However, this can only happen if the plant is not cared for properly. But the beneficial effects are obvious.
Useful properties of Riccia:
enriches water with oxygen and organic compounds, improves its biochemical parameters;- partially processes the waste products of aquarium inhabitants.
- it is food for fish, turtles, and shrimp.
- used as a spawning ground and shelter for fry and mollusks;
- serves as material for the nests of labyrinth fish;
- darkens the aquarium, creating a favorable environment for shade-loving fish species;
- it is used to create beautiful aquarium decorations.
Do not allow the plant to grow excessively, otherwise the thickets will prevent light from penetrating the water. This leads to slower growth of other plants in the aquarium and the formation of excess carbon dioxide.
Aquarium size and water parameters
- The plant thrives at a water temperature of 20-28 °C, but is most comfortable at 22-26 °C. If the temperature drops below 20 °C, bryophyte will slow down its growth, and if it gets really cold, it will die.
- Every few weeks, it is necessary to change 20% of the water in the aquarium. If this procedure is not performed, a white coating will form on the riccia, preventing the release of oxygen.
- Riccia does not like table salt very much, so if this substance is used to treat fish, it is better to temporarily place the moss in another container. The same should be done if it is necessary to add medicines to the water.
- A tank with a minimum volume of 10 liters is required for breeding riccia. Neutral or soft water with an acidity of 5-7 pH is preferable.
Lighting
Riccia requires a lot of light. Lack of light slows down growth and causes rotting. It is advisable to use fluorescent lamps, placing them above at a distance of at least 10-15 cm. Ordinary incandescent lamps can overheat the water surface and dry out the moss. The total lighting time of the aquarium should not exceed 12 hours, otherwise algae will multiply rapidly.
General care
Regular weeding and removal of rotten and fallen branches is necessary. Otherwise, riccia will pollute the ecosystem. To clean the thallus of debris, remove the plant and rinse it under running water. It is advisable to trim floating riccia every week; the height of the stems should not exceed 3 cm. With certain skills, riccia can be trimmed into the most bizarre and original shapes.
Feeding
No additional feeding is required, as Riccia obtains the necessary minerals and organic compounds from the water and fish waste products. If the plant is located at the bottom, it is advisable to supply carbon dioxide for better growth and development. The recommended carbon dioxide content is 15-20 mg/l.
Riccia is one of the most attractive aquarium plants, which looks like lush underwater moss, although in reality it is not. Thanks to its dense greenery and unusual texture, it transforms any aquarium into a living mini-landscape, creating shelters for fish and improving the appearance. There are several varieties, from the classic Riccia florida to mini forms, and all of them are easy to care for, suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. The main thing is to provide good lighting and stable growth, otherwise the plant may start to rot or become covered with algae.
Propagation and planting
Propagating Riccia is extremely simple. Take a piece of moss without signs of wilting and place it in an aquarium with the appropriate conditions. After a couple of weeks, bright green islands will already be floating.- To create a beautiful design on the surface of the water, you can plant a single carpet or limit yourself to several fragments. To adjust the size of the plantings, it is recommended to use special silicone rings. The plants are placed inside.
- For a variety of landscapes at the bottom of the aquarium, you need to attach the plant to the base (driftwood, stones, clay shards, plastic tubes, coconut shells, etc.) using a strong thread, wire, or fishing line. The base material should not oxidize or rust in water. You can put the moss in a nylon stocking and stretch it over a stone. The plant will soon sprout and cover the entire surface.
- If you want to see a dense green carpet at the bottom of the aquarium, you need to use a plastic or nylon mesh as a base and secure it with soil or pebbles. A vertical mat can be made by lowering one or more threads or pieces of fishing line into the water with one end and securing them with a weight, and attaching pieces of moss to the base itself.
Riccia is truly a versatile and lively decoration for an aquarium. Its delicate emerald islands can transform any underwater landscape, adding volume and naturalness. And the ability to use it both as a floating carpet and as a decoration attached to driftwood or stones opens up room for creativity.
Whichever variety you choose, success depends on a few simple rules. Bright light, clean water without excess organic matter, and periodic thinning of the thickets — that's the whole secret. Don't worry that the plant will grow too quickly; it's easy to control.
As a result, with a minimum of effort, you will get not just a beautiful decoration, but a full-fledged part of the ecosystem. Riccia will become a cozy refuge for fry and shrimp, actively produce oxygen, and help maintain a healthy environment in the aquarium. Feel free to experiment with this unpretentious and rewarding algae.
