Riccia – aquarium decoration: varieties and recommendations

Aquarists regard riccia as one of their favorite plants. The explanation is straightforward: this "water moss," as it is commonly called, stands out for its excellent adaptation, carefree nature, and lovely appearance.

Description

Riccia is a member of the Marchantiopsida class of liverworts. The plant’s lack of stems, flowers, and a root system is one of its characteristics. On the surface of the water, bryophyte, or moss, is composed of branching, entwined twigs and plates that are about 1 mm thick. It forms a dense, lush carpet. Rhizoids, which are thread-like growths, take the place of the root system. The plant can attach itself to different surfaces and gets nutrients with their assistance.

Riccia’s normal color is a pale green. Brown tones with a reddish-brown hue can indicate a variety of problems, including lighting, plant disease, and the presence of hazardous chemicals in the aquarium. Both when spores form and when it withers, the color changes to a darker shade.

Varieties

The plant is known to exist in about 200 species. It is common in tropical and subtropical reservoirs as well as temperate latitudes. The works of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus contain the first comprehensive description of Riccia and date back to the 18th century. This bryophyte has been cultivated for its aesthetic qualities. Nowadays, home ponds are home to about sixty different species. Their appearance largely depends on the conditions of detention, and they only differ slightly.

Two varieties are most frequently used in aquaristics:

Riccia Floating

This plant has a pale green color. Because of the oxygen-filled stems, the lovely carpet remains on the water’s surface. Moss islands can be fastened to the bottom if desired.

Amano Riccia

It is submerged in water, and its branches are longer, thicker, and a deeper shade of green.

Influence on the ecosystem of the aquarium

Because of the plant’s quick growth, some aquarists are reluctant to breed it because they think the dense mass will clog the water. But this is only possible in the event that there is inadequate care. However, the positive impact is evident.

Beneficial attributes of Riccia

The plant cannot grow too large because the thickets will obstruct the flow of light into the water column. As a result, the growth of other plants in the aquarium slows down, and too much carbon dioxide builds up.

Aquarium size and water parameters

  • The plant feels good at a water temperature of 20-28 °C, but is most comfortable at 22-26 °C. If the temperature drops below 20 °C, the bryophyte will slow down its growth, and if it gets very cold, it will die.
  • Every few weeks, you need to change the water in the amount of 20% of the volume of water in the aquarium. If you do not do such a procedure, a white plaque that prevents the release of oxygen will form on Richey.
  • Riccia does not like table salt too 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.
  • To breed Riccia, a tank with a volume of at least 10 liters is required. Neutral or soft water with an acidity of 5-7 pH is preferable.

Lighting

Riccia needs a lot of illumination. When there is a shortage, growth slows down and decay sets in. Fluorescent lights are the best option; place them on top, at least 10-15 cm away. Common incandescent lights have the potential to dry out the moss by overheating the water’s surface. If the aquarium’s lighting is left on for longer than 12 hours, algae will reproduce more quickly.

General care

It’s essential to regularly pull weeds and get rid of fallen and decayed branches. Richia will contaminate the ecosystem if left unchecked. Remove the plant and rinse it under running water to remove any debris from the thallus. Weekly trimming of the floating Riccia hummocks is recommended, with stem heights no more than 3 cm. With the aid of trimming, you can give Riccia amano the most unusual and unique shapes if you possess certain skills.

Feeding

Since Riccia draws the essential minerals and organic compounds from water and fish waste, feeding is not necessary. For optimal growth and development, carbon dioxide should be supplied if the plant is submerged. A carbon dioxide content of 15-20 mg/l is advised.

Reproduction and planting

Neighborhood with other aquarium plants

Riccia coexists peacefully with many other green plants; the only requirement is that their upkeep requirements generally match those of liverwort.

Suggestions for effective combos:

  • with other varieties of mosses and ferns;
  • with echinodorus;
  • with glossostigma, eleocharis and other ground covers.

Ringes and duckweed cannot be planted together because they will cast a shadow over one another and stifle one another.

Riccia is an excellent option if you want to give your aquarium a hint of natural beauty. This aquatic plant, which is well-known for its vivid green colors and adaptable growth patterns, can add a lush, floating or anchored appearance to any tank. This post will discuss the various varieties of Riccia that are available and provide helpful advice on how to best use them in your aquarium setup to provide your fish and plants with a healthy environment in addition to aesthetic appeal.

Riccia is a great plant for both novice and seasoned aquarium keepers. It is easy to grow and maintain, and it lets you design interesting and distinctive landscapes.

Video on the topic

The easiest moss. What you did not know about him. Riccia floating. Riccia

Riccia floating in the aquarium, how to attach at the bottom, stone, content, propagation, Amano.

Riccia floating in the aquarium! How to attach at the bottom, stone, content, reproduction, Amano!

Riccia floating. Content and care

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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