It doesn't come with the moss. Moss isn't "low maintenance ". If you want mesh like that go to a craft store and get it for a tenth of the cost. Cross stitch mesh works the same. You can get suction cups at petsmart or petco for like 2.99 for 4.
Personally I think moss is a pain in the butt. It traps all kinds of debris. As it grows it sends runners out to attach to things if it can't find something it likes they break off and if you don't get it it's in your filter. I like the look of it I just don't have time for it.
this is great info to know. I was almost suckered in lol. Had no idea about the debris or the filter problems it might cause. Thanks for helping me dodge that bullet.
Oh yeah unless you are really wanting to change out your substrate I'd not bother with either, with the root tab and potassium you'll be fine. I've seen huge planted tanks with pfs. You aren't keeping any of the super picky plants right? The fluorite is expensive and I'm guessing so is the eco complete. If you like the look and want to change up the look then by all means go ahead. If it's just for plants don't worry about it.
good to know. yeah I don't really want to change my substrate....just want my plants to grow. I just have amazon swords, some type of val, and then some of magpie's vals. However, I want to get some more low light easy plants. Apparently anubias are not easy for me cause I buried the rhizome hahahhaha.
I think part of the problem is the algae bloom. I'm wanting to get more plants, but want to get the algae under control first. The diatoms are going away, but I need to figure out how to get rid of the BBA. If you know of any ways, please share
Your idea of the root tabs and the potassium supp, so I'm going to try that. Thank you so much for your help!!!
I also wouldn't bother with the new substrate for the plants, unless you're wanting a color change. Root tabs work fine. And then the water column fertilizer for each water change like Flourish.
I think you need to look at the minerals etc in your water to see what you're missing (sounds like potassium).
It takes a while to figure out what plants work for your water/light. Once you get your water / fertilizer schedule set, then the ones that die don't work.
Keep trying. Some will work better than others.
My fish are used to a densely planted tank with a lot of cover and much dimmer light due to the dense nature and the floating plants. I think they'll settle in more with your plans of bulking up decor/plants. Even more wood will help. You can then tie on anubias which are typically low maintenance and don't need to be in the substrate.
I tied a piece of my wood to the top of my tank so it did't cover the substrate but still provided cover - you could try something like that. You want to still be able to see the fish.
Thanks, mags. In that case, want to keep the substrate the same (for now); personally love the contrast of the polys on a lighter color(red or white/+black or yellow).
I think I will go the root tabs route+potassium route as
twentyleagues
suggested that too. And then dose with flourish as many others mentioned. Thanks for the input. I always appreciate your guidance and advice.
Before I buy a bunch of new plants, I want to remove all the algae in my system. Did a dose of tetra algaecide and the tank looks a lot cleaner. Diatoms seem to be subsiding, but still need to figure out a way to tackle the BBA. Gotta catch up on the plant/algae forums. Things have been kinda busy for me because of exams and work.
In the meantime, I have a bunch of driftwood that can be glued to rocks(need to find a way to anchor them down). Would do slate pieces, but can't find those around here? Not sure what type of wood it is, and it was in someone's tank previously,(without knowing their tank history) so I have my reservations. Part of me just wants to buy more new manzanita
.....cause it looks good and I know it will sink.
magpie
, you'll never believe this, but two seconds ago, Soba nipped the moke's finlets a couple of times. I would have never guessed that Soba had it in him! I'm so happy. He's so fiesty! 
