Riccia Topiary Balls

Introduction

Riccia Topiary Balls are an elegant and creative way to introduce lush greenery into your aquarium. Formed by attaching Riccia fluitans (commonly known as Crystalwort) to spherical structures, these topiary balls float or can be anchored in your tank, adding visual appeal with their vibrant green appearance.

Origin

Riccia fluitans is a floating aquatic plant native to a wide range of regions including Europe, Asia, and Africa. It typically thrives in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater bodies.

Scientific Name

Riccia fluitans

Lighting Requirements

Riccia requires medium to high lighting to maintain its lush, bright green appearance. For optimal growth, it should receive 10 to 12 hours of light per day. Stronger lighting will encourage more compact and dense growth.

Care Level

With a care level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, Riccia Topiary Balls are relatively easy to maintain but do require some attention, particularly in lighting and trimming.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 64°F to 82°F (18°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 2 to 10 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 5 dKH

Placement

Riccia can be used as a floating plant, or you can weigh down the topiary balls with rocks or substrate to create stunning midground or foreground features in your aquarium. They are versatile and work in a variety of tank sizes and styles.

Growth Rate

Riccia has a fast growth rate, especially in well-lit and CO2-supplemented environments. Regular trimming is recommended to prevent it from becoming too invasive.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO2 Supplementation: While not mandatory, adding CO2 will significantly enhance growth and improve the plant’s overall health.
• Fertilizer: Occasional liquid fertilizers rich in micronutrients will help maintain its vibrant color and lush growth.

Potential Problems

• Overgrowth: Due to its fast growth, Riccia can overtake the tank if not regularly pruned.
• Algae Growth: Excess lighting or imbalanced nutrients may encourage algae to grow on Riccia, which can affect its appearance.

Compatible Fishes

Riccia Topiary Balls are compatible with various peaceful species, including:

• Tetras
• Guppies
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Shrimp

Other Suitable Plants

To enhance your aquascape, consider pairing Riccia Topiary Balls with:

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Mosses like Christmas Moss or Flame Moss
• Ludwigia

Tropical or Cold Water?

Riccia Topiary Balls thrive in tropical aquariums, preferring a temperature range of 64°F to 82°F (18°C to 28°C).

What Fish Can Eat It?

Some fish, like Goldfish or other herbivorous species, may nibble on Riccia. However, most small, peaceful fish typically do not consume it, allowing the plant to grow without significant damage.

A Fun Fact

Riccia fluitans was famously used by Japanese aquascaping legend Takashi Amano in his nature aquariums. He utilized its unique ability to form dense, cushion-like carpets by tying it to rocks and driftwood, a practice still popular in aquascaping today!