Louie, I think this type of tank will last. The moss, I believe is algae. It is definitely not java moss. It requires very bright light. Do not allow it to free float around your tank. It will clog your intakes very quickly. If it is on branches it will be fine. Otherwise, drape it over driftwood as long as it is hung on a point. I don't believe you will find it in stores, as is considered to be a pest. It gets hung up on lures and bait. The filters I currently use are the Emperor 400 and the 350. I have replaced the cartridges with filter floss. Unless you are willing to have mud everywhere anytime you are moving the decoration, this is not the tank for you. I only have about half a cm of sandy mud. I have to check the filter intakes every 2 or 3 days for moss clogs. The catfish caused this. Hopefully, he has stopped rearranging. I would put the sandy/mud in first, let it settle, then add your drfitwood etc...You might find freshwater clams like me(fish unburied them and ate them) I believe I was very lucky not to find nasty creatures like leeches, fluke worms, etc...maybe the salt I used, killed them. I don't know if you will be causing a build up of toxic gases by the amount of sand you want use. I have never used much sand in any of my tanks, always enough to cover the bottom. Your java moss can be attached with clear or black fishing line, some people use black thread. I have read a few people say don't put too much java moss together in one spot, it needs to be thin and it will grow better. You can search this site, to find out more about the java moss and how thick your sand should be. Good Luck with your tank and make sure you post some pics!!!
