Java Moss Backdrop question

[jbru70]

How long does it usually take for a Java moss backdrop to fill in????

I installed my homemade javamoss backdrop in my apisto tank today. I had enough moss to make a pretty decent "wall". Just wondering how long approximately it takes for the moss to hide the mesh.

 

[I'mHooked]

Depending on lighting and fertz., I'd say anywhere from 1-3 months.

 

[chonhzilla]

mine took about a month to fill in. With pressurized CO2 and a daily dose of dry fertz.

 

[dsubaru]

that's a pretty good idear...should look pretty good once if fills in.

 

[Deaths Sting]

looks great already, i cant even tell there's mesh behind it!

it would be even more amazing if u some how integrated rock and drift wood into it!

 

[chonhzilla]

looks great already, i cant even tell there's mesh behind it!

it would be even more amazing if u some how integrated rock and drift wood into it!

Like this?

 

[swede]

how much lighting do you have on that tank? this will greatly affect growth rate

 

[jbru70]

how much lighting do you have on that tank? this will greatly affect growth rate

I have 20 watts of full spectrum flourescent lighting and im using Hagen nutrafin plant gro. No CO2. My water is soft and slightly acidic for the apistos.

 

[swede]

and how big is the tank you have there? moss is somewhat slow growing so to make it grow faster, you need to have at least 2 wpg and i would get a bottle of flourish excel. it is like CO2 in a bottle along with micro-nutrients. for the price its well worth it

 

[jbru70]

Like this?

I actually used black 1\2" bird netting that I got for 8 bucks a roll at home depot. And the back of my tank is painted black to help hide it more. I sandwiched the moss between two layers and tied it around the edges and a few places in the middle with fishing line. It is held in place by 4 suction cups that i got for 2 bucks at home depot as well.

(THE SECRET) I assembled this backdrop awhile back and put it in a spare 75g tank outside in the direct sunlight. I siphoned out a bit of water and replaced it with cold fresh water everyday to keep the temperature down between 75 and 80 and aerated the water with 3 airstones.

It got direct sunlight from noon till around 7-8pm. I used the mosquito larvae that eventually showed up to feed my fish.

Mother Nature provided the jumpstart. I actually like to put all my plants outside in that tank for awhile.