Possible Solution to Java Moss Death
I've been doing a little research about java moss, slow growth rates, and other assorted planted aquarium topics. I recently bought a heater and I've been keeping the temperature high. I just looked my my temperature monitor and it is approximately 84 degrees fahrenheit.
One of the problems people are saying about Java Moss and planted aquariums in general is that higher temperatures (especially those about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) make for poor plant growth. Java Moss was specifically pointed out in some forum posts as doing poorly under higher temperatures.
For now I've turned down the heater and I'm going to try to keep the aquarium at around 75-76 degrees fahrenheit. We'll see how this does in the long-term. Hopefully the Java Moss starts to come back.
New Hygrophila Plant
I haven't updated for awhile but there have been some new developments in the aquarium. First it doesn't appear as though the Crypt is going to make it. The small leaves that were growing melted yet again and died. Now there are just two stumps left. I'm going to go away for Thanksgiving and if they don't come back or at least show some signs I'm going to pull the stumps out and garbage them.
Left side of the tank where the Crypts should be.
I also bought some Pygmy Chain sword and some Hygrophila for the tank. I'm not sure what type of Hygrophila it is so if anybody has any ideas or suggestions feel free to let me know. The Hygrophila is growing like a weed now that it has been in the tank for a week or so. The Chain sword isn't doing as well, likely because of the light level. We'll see how it develops over the next several months.
The Hygrophila in the back and the rearranged right side
The whole tank