Moss "Carpet"

[Shizeric]

I've found a few posts here and there about this subject on this forum, but nothing too helpful. Perhaps someone could add a little more insight. I use a tiled bottom in my tank, and I was wondering if a carpet made up of Java Fern or "christmas tree" fern would be suitable as a "carpet". I've heard small plastic mesh can be used to create a mat of the fern, and I would grow it to the exact size of the bottom of my tank...

What do you guys think?

edit: This appears to be a method people use to create the moss mat.

http://www.aquariumplantsandsupplies.com/blog/aquarium-tips/how-to-plant-and-grow-java-moss/

 

[callina]

I think, it would look nice, but is very difficult to clean.

 

[Shizeric]

I tend to keep up with my tank on a daily basis, so as long as I continue to siphon out the waste in a timely manner, I wouldn't think the detritus would get trapped. I also use earthworms, so unlike bloodworms, I don't think any uneaten food would "escape".

 

[Bellabelloo]

I have used this method to make a screen along the back of my tank. This has been done for about a month now and the moss is just starting to grow through. I also attached some small java ferns onto it too.

Julia

 

[Azhael]

I´ve used the mesh sheet thing before with nice results. Takes some time to fill in and not look horrible, though....make sure to really spread the moss well between the mesh and fill in the gaps, or else it won´t look that good.

 

[vladimere]

That is really cool shiz. Appart from java moss and or fern what other plants could be adapted to this technique ..... You could also bend the wire mesh into little bumps as well .

 

[SludgeMunkey]

I have done this for a few enclosures. I skip messing with the mesh though. The trick here is to place the moss in a container the size of the carpet you want to grow. Them, simply keep the water level at a depth comparable to the thickness you want the mat to be. It takes a few months to grow in, but if you maintain the water level with dirty tank water, the moss will grow to fill the container up to the surface of the water and form a thick mat. This can then be trimmed to fit into your tank perfectly.

Truth be told, it is a real pain to keep it clean. I only use this for my frog tanks as a result.

 

[Shizeric]

In that case Sludge, what does the moss grow in (or is it floating in the container), and what do you use to anchor it down in the tank?