Description

Sale is for a small sandwidch bag full of Ferny Azolla

Ferny Azolla (Azolla spp.)—also known as Fairy Moss, Mosquito Fern, or Water Velvet—is a captivating aquatic fern that can enhance the aesthetics of your fish tank. Let’s dive into how to care for this delightful plant:

1. Overview:

• Common Names: Ferny Azolla, Fairy Moss, Mosquito Fern, Water Velvet.
• Scientific Name: Azolla spp.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium.
• Lighting: Medium.
• Optimal pH: 6.0 – 7.5.
• Optimal General Hardness (GH): 2 – 18.
• Optimal Temperature: 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C).
• Substrate: Not needed; can float.
• Growth Rate: Extremely fast.
• Placement in Tank: Floater.
• Frond (Leaf) Size: Up to 0.4 inches (~1 cm).
• Fertilizers: Not needed to low.
• CO2: Not needed.

2. Characteristics and Nature:

• Appearance: Ferny Azolla features tiny green to reddish scale-like fronds that overlap each other. These fronds are typically less than 1 cm long and have a velvety texture.
• Growth Habit: It floats on the water surface, forming dense mats.
• Symbiotic Relationship: Ferny Azolla hosts the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae in its leaves. This symbiosis allows it to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it adaptable to low-nitrogen environments.

3. Water Conditions:

• pH: Ferny Azolla can survive in freshwater ponds and aquariums with pH levels between 4.5 – 8.0. Optimal growth occurs at 6.0 – 7.5 pH.
• Hardness: Thrives in soft to fairly hard water (4 – 18 dGH in aquariums).
• Brackish Water: Can tolerate low salinity (>8.4 g/l).

4. Care Tips:

• Tank Setup:
  • Rinse the tank thoroughly with water (avoid using soap).
  • Add a layer of fine-grain sand or soil to the tank bottom as a base for Azolla growth.
  • Fill the tank with distilled or dechlorinated water.
• Maintenance:
  • Regularly remove excess growth to prevent overcrowding.
  • Monitor water quality and adjust as needed.
• Benefits:
  • Enhances aquarium aesthetics with its velvety appearance.
  • Helps keep water clean and healthy for fish.

Remember, Ferny Azolla is not only visually appealing but also contributes to your tank’s ecosystem. Enjoy its rapid growth and unique charm!