[Jaysn]

I'd like to build a moss wall, and was wondering where to get a large quantity of moss to fill it with. Online I've been finding java moss or christmas moss for $3-$6 per square inch, and I'm going to need several square feet. Is there any hobby or reptile moss that can be soaked to restore it to life? Has anyone attempted anything like this before?[/url]

 

[crazie.eddie]

I haven't tried and I actually have some I've dried up in a plastic bag for a couple of months already. I did think about trying to rehydrate it to see if it will thrive again.

 

[tophat665]

Jasyn, you're only going to need about 1 sqare inch of moss per square foot of wall. lay it thread by thread on your frame and let it grow in. It'll look cruddy for a month, and then seemingly overnight, you'll have a great looking moss wall. The thing is, if you put moss more than one layer deep, the bottom layers don't get any light and turn brown, possibly die and rot. if you start your moss out all the same layer, it'll grow in evenly. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Jaysn]

Cool, I didn't know that I could spread it out that thin. Thanks!

 

[crazie.eddie]

Be careful with the moss wall. I've heard of some instances of fish still getting trapped in there, which were mostly the ones that like to crawl into tight places.

 

[fish_4_all]

I would also recommend Christmas moss instead of java moss because of the durability of the moss and the overall look. I have seen it done with both and the X-mas just looks better and fills in better with less browning underneath.

As for the amount, I would estimate about 1 cup should cover enough mesh to the back of a 55 gallon if they are giving a rung out and compact amount.

 

[tophat665]

Be careful with the moss wall. I've heard of some instances of fish still getting trapped in there, which were mostly the ones that like to crawl into tight places.

Crazie's right on it. If you use two sheets of needlepoint mesh or nylon window screen wih the moss between, you 1) need to stitch the edges together with fishing line really tightly (like no fewer than a stich every third hole), 2) stitch all of the middle together less tightly (half as many stitches as the edges), and 3) make sure that it's 100% affixed to the back of the tank.

That third one is tricky. I'll be doing this with a 75 next summer, and the way I plan on doing it is to glue the really strong, tiny neodynium magnets every foot or so along the edges, and some in the middle, totally sheathing them in aquarium sealant, and putting them so that they face into the tank with the netting pinched between them and the back of the tank. (I'll use an equal number on the outside of the tank background to hold it in place.)

 

[Jaysn]

I'm thinking that with my peacocks and violet gobies they'll get into anything I do, so I'll probably leave about a half-inch between the back of the wall and the glass, so they can freely get behind it.

 

[fish_4_all]

As far as terrarium moss goes, if there is some spores in the moss and it is a species that can live submerged, you should be able to use it. I think you ight have to get it to grow in soil or something before submerging it first but it could work. Jus have to give it a try and see. A plastic shoe box in direct sunlight with damp soil or Profile aquatic soil might just work.