Java Moss, advice needed...

[parker002]

I can't get my Java Moss to attach to the driftwood piece I have in my tank.

I tried polyester thread but it eventually came loose before the Moss attached.

I tried cotton thread but it dissolved/rotted before the Moss attached.

So I used small rubber bands - they've been on there for several weeks I think.

Every day, 2 or 3 large pieces come off. I just figured the plants were propagating that way. But when I started messing with them, I discovered none of them were attached.

The wood is VERY soft. I can scratch it deeply even with just my finger nails.

I'm thinking of making some kind of "plugs" using cork or small pieces of wood and then attaching them to the driftwood. Anybody have any better ideas?

[Carl]

I am surprised it is not attaching in part on its own

Have you tried fishing line (this is what I have used in the past)?
I would tie this off with a 'fish hook knot'

Sorry I cannot think of anything else at the time

Carl

[parker002]

Fishing line is problematic because the wood is already in the tank. Furthermore, the rubber bands held it in place probably as good as fishing line and in the end, it still never attached.

I honestly just don't get it.

[Carl]

Maybe there is decomposition on the wood that is not allowing for any attachment of the Moss.

Maybe try treating the Wood where you are attempting to attach with potassium permanganate?
This will stop decomposition and maybe then allow for moss attachment.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

I am not sure if this will work, but you could try yarn that is nontoxic to fish. I forgot what kind I have and use. It is not made for fish, but it is supposed to be fish-safe according to a site I went on about 4 years ago when I got it. It's average yarn in terms of quality and have not had an problems using it with my fish.

I hope that helps.

Renee

[parker002]

Cotton yarn, I'm guessing, would yield the same results I had with cotton thread - it decomposed prior to the moss attaching.

At any rate, I'm doing a controlled experiment right now. I don't know why I didn't think of it before.

I was thinking of the word "plugs" after I used it in the original post and started thinking about hair transplants (weird, yes I know!) and then about corals and polyps.

So I took a 1/8 drill bit and made 2 tiny "pits" in the wood and stuffed a small bit of moss into them. They've been there for almost 3 hours without floating away so that's a start. If they take in a few days, I'll do a few more.

[parker002]

Here's a pic of my "experiment"...

[Carl]

I think this is an excellent idea!

This will also help if their is some decomposition on the surface that is not allowing the adherence of the Java Moss via traditional attachment methods

Carl

[parker002]

Yeah, I drilled the little holes and was very "not careful" to scratch and gouge the area around the holes while I did it.

[babygeige]

I had the same problem with the big wood centerpiece in my 50. I thought it would be cool to have java moss grow on it to make it look kind of like a tree. It didn't take at all. I tried for several months. I tried fishing line and cotton thread with ZERO luck. It was so frustrating. I eventually just gave up.

I've got moss to grow on driftwood in other tanks. I don't know what the deal was with that wood. I like the hair plug for driftwood idea. From the picture you posted, it looks very promising!

[Suzie Q (Lori)]

Parker...great idea, and I love the way it looks...very natural.

In San Fran, when we were there in June, one of the store owners used coral glue to attach Taiwan Moss to a rock. He used it on wood too, but as a demo, he wet a rock and attached the wet plant to the rock and threw it into a tank. Coral glue around here is like $17 for an ounce though

[parker002]

My daughter bought a lava rock cave a couple weeks ago and we attached Java Moss to it with Super Glue (regular cryano-acrylate). It worked great and it looks awesome. I will see if I can take and post a pic later.

Unfortunately, my wood is already in the tank so I can't use glue because I can't remove it. I'd need an adhesive that could be applied 100% submerged.

[goldenpuon]

Very nice Parker! The java moss looks like it is staying well attached and looks beautiful too IMO.

Cotton yarn, I'm guessing, would yield the same results I had with cotton thread - it decomposed prior to the moss attaching.

You are right on that. To clarify, I think the string (its yarn technically) that I use is not made out of cotton- I forgot the exact make-up but I remember doing research prior to getting it because I had heard about decinegration issues. I have had the same yarn submerged for over a year before with little sign of decinegration besides the ends getting a little frayed (if that even counts) when I used it to make spawning mops for my goldfish a 4 years ago. Anyway, excessive clarification/ramble over.

I am happy that the java moss is finally staying attached. Keep us posted and happy holidays!

Renee

[parker002]

It's EMBEDDED but as of today, it's still not attached. And it's not "perking up" very quickly either. I'm honestly not sure it's going to work. I guess I have to give it a couple more weeks at least.