DIY moss wall

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
N

noledoc

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 25, 2010
40
0
0
Johnson City, Tennessee
I am planning to build a moss background as well as covering the front wall of terraces with moss. I have Riccia growing now and both Java and Christmas Tree moss ordered. I have several questions. First I've read about plastic mesh that allows the moss to grow through it and eventually cover the mesh totally. What type of plastic mesh is best, would it be the same for all three types of moss and where do I find it?
Next, does it make sense to use a firm piece of plastic (such as a piece cut from the plastic top of rubbermaid containers), place the moss on the plastic and secure it with the mesh? I already have plastic 1/4" diameter black Gutter Guard. My question about the gutter guard is one of the holes being too large for the Riccia to be secured.
Where can I get mesh that would be better? It seems like 1/8" diameter mesh would be about right.
Ideas? Suggestions? Mesh locations?
Thanks
Paul
 
What! No help?
I've found the 1/8" mesh and it's perfect. Plants along with the moss came in. Plants were in good shape but the moss (from AZ Gardens ) was nasty. I'm gonna use Ferts and light and see what happens.
 
I've found that any plastic mesh will work, fiberglass window screen is a good one, fabric mesh from the craft section at walmart, plastic canvas, plastic eggcrate covers for flourescent lights, the type commonly used to make aquarium dividers for aggressive fish....gutter guard was inspired, I've used it in terrarium construction for a similar purpose..good stuff.

The moss will look tons better once it takes off, it's likely a piece torn off a much larger carpet of moss, that means it will have many areas that haven't been exposed to much light. Once it starts sending out new growth you should start to see a huge improvement. Trimming it may help.
 
Many thanks for these ideas!
 
I use green Tully mesh you can buy it at any fabric store. It comes in different size meshes you want one not to big where your moss pieces fall through but not so fine either like 2-3mm holes is good. I use stainless steel mesh for the backing. I am only able to find stainless steel mesh on ebay. Found a seller that sells many different size mesh. i stitch the Tully mesh and stainless mesh with fishing line I prefer using 100% Spectra Fiber instead of a synthetic line. I find it easier to work with and it come in a dark green color. I use big 40lb test cause my eyes are not that good and my fat fingers don't work fine thin line so well LOL. I recommend to have a couple of pliers to grab the line ends when tie off knots as this line cuts into your skin when trying to pull it tight. I attach it to the glass with suction cups.

Here's a Riccia wall I done. You can also lay it on the bottom as I also did here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT5ys_nxyyM

the piece in the bottom middle had been growing a few weeks before the other pieces. Was moved to this tank from another tank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdin_MoT6Pw
 
MyGiants said:
I use green Tully mesh you can buy it at any fabric store. It comes in different size meshes you want one not to big where your moss pieces fall through but not so fine either like 2-3mm holes is good. I use stainless steel mesh for the backing. I am only able to find stainless steel mesh on ebay. Found a seller that sells many different size mesh. i stitch the Tully mesh and stainless mesh with fishing line I prefer using 100% Spectra Fiber instead of a synthetic line. I find it easier to work with and it come in a dark green color. I use big 40lb test cause my eyes are not that good and my fat fingers don't work fine thin line so well LOL. I recommend to have a couple of pliers to grab the line ends when tie off knots as this line cuts into your skin when trying to pull it tight. I attach it to the glass with suction cups.

Here's a Riccia wall I done. You can also lay it on the bottom as I also did here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT5ys_nxyyM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdin_MoT6Pw
Click to expand...

Wow, nice tank and riccia wall! The fish seem very happy and healthy. Makes me want to do a planted community tank as well. :grinyes:

What lighting do you use? T5?
 
I am trying the same idea of a moss wal using cross stitch nylon mesh. I will post some pictures when the moss starts growing more. you can see the start of it in the diy (the new home for 125 gallon tank)
 
Great stuff guys, thanks a heap!!
I wonder about attaching the screen to a piece of plastic (a solid piece, not mesh). The moss or riccia would go between them. What do ya think?
 
Many thanks izzy. I have gutter guard and it's great stuff!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom