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.

Usually when using live animals to cycle the aquarium you expect some difficulties and even fish death due to a rise in Nitrites and Ammonia. However I also was beginning to get some fuzz algae growth on plants and my driftwood. So after reading an article online I decided to overdose on Flourish Excel. Usually a 1-2x dose is good for removing algae but I wanted to push it. It was combination of hatred for algae and a desire to see my plants grow quickly that led me to overdose more than necessary. By my estimations I did a 3x dose. Now on the website I read this on it said 3x was ok, but it was running into risky territory in regards to fish health.

Clearly I hit that barrier and cause the death of one of my fish. Fortunately it was a $2.00 fish and not a very interesting one at that.

On a good note the fuzz algae is beginning to die off and I should do a water change tonight probably. Additionally the Crypt Wendtii that I cut back completely is starting to grow back. Not much, but the plant closer to the glass has grown by probably 2mm. Nothing but but definitely noticeable. Perhaps by Thanksgiving it will grow enough to start having leaves again.