PORTION: Golf Ball Size

Subwassertang (Tonina fluviatilis) is an exciting and unique aquatic plant that brings an intriguing texture and vibrant green color to any aquarium. Known for its moss-like appearance and delicate, fern-like leaves, Subwassertang is often used by aquascapers looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact plant that adds depth and visual interest to aquascapes. While it is frequently confused with Java Moss due to its appearance, Subwassertang is actually a species of Tonina, native to the freshwater rivers of South America.

What sets **Subwassertang** apart is its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting and water conditions, making it an excellent plant for both beginner and experienced aquarists. It can be used in multiple ways in the aquarium—floating freely, attached to rocks or driftwood, or carpeting the substrate. Its fast-growing, bushy structure provides shelter for fish and shrimp and contributes to the natural filtration of the aquarium. 

**Key Features:**

- **Unique Moss-like Appearance:** Subwassertang features fine, fern-like leaves that resemble moss, creating a soft, lush look in aquariums. Its delicate, bright green leaves can add texture and richness to your aquascape.
- **Adaptable and Hardy:** While it thrives in moderate light and stable water conditions, Subwassertang is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate a variety of environments, including a range of pH, temperatures, and hardness levels.
- **Fast-Growing and Low-Maintenance:** This plant is easy to grow and can quickly cover surfaces, making it a great option for aquascapes that need instant greenery or for beginners looking for a forgiving, low-maintenance plant.
- **Versatile Placement:** Subwassertang can be used as a foreground carpet, midground filler, or attached to hardscapes like rocks, driftwood, or mesh. It can also be left to float freely in the water column, where it creates a gentle, flowing effect.
- **Ideal for Shrimp Tanks:** Its fine, delicate structure provides a natural breeding ground for shrimp and a surface for biofilm, making it a great addition to shrimp or small fish tanks.

**Benefits:**

- **Natural Filtration:** Like most aquarium plants, Subwassertang helps absorb excess nutrients from the water, contributing to better water quality and reducing the risk of algae growth.
- **Shelter for Fish & Shrimp:** The dense, bushy growth provides hiding spots for fish, shrimp, and fry, creating a more natural and protective environment in the tank.
- **Low-Maintenance:** Subwassertang does not require much care to thrive and is relatively resistant to pests, algae, or common aquarium plant issues.
- **Flexible Aquascaping:** Whether you want it as a carpet plant or to add texture to your hardscape, Subwassertang is versatile and can be easily incorporated into most aquascaping styles.

**Care Instructions:**

- **Lighting:** Subwassertang does well in moderate to high light conditions. It can tolerate lower light, but its growth may slow down, and the plant may lose some of its vibrant green color. For optimal growth and color, provide medium to high lighting (2-4 watts per gallon).
- **Water Conditions:** Subwassertang prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a temperature range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C). It is adaptable to different water hardness levels but prefers soft to moderately hard water.
- **Substrate:** It can be left floating in the water column or attached to rocks, driftwood, or mesh. It does not need to be planted in the substrate, but you can use thread or mesh to secure it temporarily if you want to anchor it.
- **CO2 & Fertilization:** While Subwassertang does not absolutely require CO2 supplementation, it will benefit from it in high-light aquariums. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs may help boost growth, especially in nutrient-poor setups.
- **Maintenance:** Subwassertang requires minimal maintenance. Regular trimming may be necessary to maintain its desired shape and size. If it is growing as a carpet or attached to surfaces, prune back overgrowth to prevent it from becoming too dense or unruly. Gently rinse it to remove debris or excess algae buildup if necessary.

**Applications:**

- Freshwater aquariums
- Shrimp tanks and breeding setups
- Low-tech or high-tech aquascapes
- Aquariums with small fish or invertebrates
- Mid-ground or foreground plant for a lush, moss-like appearance

**Note:** While Subwassertang is easy to care for, it may initially experience some "melting" or dieback if introduced to an aquarium with significantly different water parameters or lighting conditions. However, it usually recovers quickly once it acclimates to its new environment.

**Subwassertang** is an excellent choice for aquascapers seeking a versatile, attractive, and low-maintenance plant. Whether used as a delicate foreground carpet, an accent on driftwood, or a floating moss-like element, this plant adds a soft, lush texture to your aquarium. With its easy care, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, **Subwassertang** will flourish in a variety of setups and thrive alongside other plants and aquatic life.