I've always wanted want of those fancy moss walls. Full, lush, and an amazing addition to any planted tank, there's simply nothing to dislike!
Except for making it.
However in this quick tutorial, I will demonstrate how easy it is to actually get started. Along with some advice I wish I would've taken along the way.
Materials:
I've included some affiliate Amazon links to similar products that I used, but all these products can be purchased at Wal-Mart.
Step 1: Obtaining the moss
Whether through some old clippings or fresh tissue culture, really any type of moss will do for this project. I've decided to choose 3 different types of mosses for this project. The top is "Flame" Moss from a different aquarium of mine. The middle is Christmas moss from a Tissue Culture. The bottom is "Weeping Moss". I've decided to layer the different textures of mosses going Weeping, Christmas, and then the flame moss.
Step 2: Cut your plastic canvas to size
Cutting your plastic canvas to size is a complicated process. It involves a lot of testing on your tank to make it custom fit. If you look closely at the top right cut, you can see I cut through the canvas. This makes it easier to place in.
Step 3: Lay out the moss on the canvas
Laying out the moss can help you decide how much you have and how to distribute it across the plastic canvas. It allows you to rearrange and figure out the bald spots that may arise. Don't worry if you don't have enough to fill in the entire canvas. Every moss wall fills in with time.
Step 4: Use a Sewing Needle and thread OR SUPER GLUE!
Thread a piece of your string and tie a knot big enough at the opposite end of the needle so that the back of the knot doesn't follow through the plastic canvas. Or if you feel like saving plenty of time, look into aquarium safe gel glue. Loctite has a type that is perfect for this scenario and is easily found in many general stores. This method makes it easier to attach the moss and you don't have to worry about left over thread. The only downside to this method is that its very important to be careful with the super glue and your fingers. I highly recommend thick gloves you don't mind discarding afterwards. In addition to this, keep in mind that the canvas needs to be completely dry when applying the super glue. Otherwise it might have trouble adhering.
Step 5: Sew the moss into the canvas
Begin sewing the moss into the plastic canvas. Its easier if you do it off of the table or platform so that you can bring the needle and string back up and down. I placed my sewing thread mainly in the middle of the piece of moss to hold it down, but the technique is really up to you. Just do your best to secure each piece down. As you get to the middle of the moss wall you might have difficulties keeping the rest of the moss from sliding off. Just let it slide off and re-position it as you go.
Finishing it up!
Then slide it into place where you want the wall in the aquarium. I was placing mine into a shrimp tank and when my suction cups didn't work out, I simply slid it into place having the bottom be held down by substrate and the top just coming off slightly. If you have fish this might be more of an issue as they could get stuck behind the wall. Otherwise, I can't wait to see how the moss grows in and it should be a delightful addition to the shrimpies homes. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you guys again next week :).
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