best way to attach java moss to things?

[blacksnow]

I have a pvc pipe I want to cover in java moss.

What's the best way?

I've never done anything like this, but my head is telling me to buy some really light weight fishing line and tie a bunch around the tube. Then I believe I should be able to attach the java moss all around to cover it well.

Thoughts?

[Red]

fishing line..

[rich311k]

cotton thread.

[Jacko]

Either fishing line or any type of sewing thread works, but first I'd take an abrasive something (metal bristle type brush, or sandpaper) and mar up the outside of the pvc like heck so that there's a chance the java moss will eventually root itself.

Otherwise, I'd go with fishing line over cotton thread in this case since cotton thread eventually deteriorates and then the java moss will be free floating and no longer attached since IME, it doesn't attach to smooth surfaces too well.

[blacksnow]

Either fishing line or any type of sewing thread works, but first I'd take an abrasive something (metal bristle type brush, or sandpaper) and mar up the outside of the pvc like heck so that there's a chance the java moss will eventually root itself.

Otherwise, I'd go with fishing line over cotton thread in this case since cotton thread eventually deteriorates and then the java moss will be free floating and no longer attached since IME, it doesn't attach to smooth surfaces too well.


Hrmmmm...I want to cover the whole thing with java moss. I'd prefer to see none of the pvc if possible. Although it is black and goes with tank....

I can use a wire brush and scuff up the piece.

[jackson17]

How thick is the PVC? If it's semi thick, you cut cut some deep lines into all around the pipe, and then wire brush it also. Hopefully, (not to sure) the deep lines would allow for the roots to completely encircle the pvc pipe making it ''hold'' on and not float away.

[blacksnow]

How thick is the PVC? If it's semi thick, you cut cut some deep lines into all around the pipe, and then wire brush it also. Hopefully, (not to sure) the deep lines would allow for the roots to completely encircle the pvc pipe making it ''hold'' on and not float away.


It's pretty darn thick. I'll have at it with the hacksaw. Then run the wire brush over it all. Will post pictures tomorrow night.

[NanoTankGuy]

cotton thread.
Yup! My Anubias nana is sitting on a stone with it and every Java fern and moss I have is "threaded" to whatever it's sitting on.
Edit: although for mosses (which have no roots) fishing line will work better, since thread might disintegrate and for Java Fern and A. nana it's not a problem usually since they let their roots attach to whatever they're on.

[PostalPenguin]

You can try super glue. I have read some people have had success with using super glue to attach plants to things. It would have to be in just a few spots since I imagine the superglue would kill the part of the plant attached to it. But it should last long enough for the plant to root. Plus when you submerge the piece it will cure nearly instantly.

[Lady Hobbs]

Silicone gravel or sand to the pipe and the moss can attach to that.

[blacksnow]

Ok..

Well I took a hacksaw to the pvc first. I thought having some deep lines across the whole piece would help it attach. I then went over the whole thing with a wire brush. Scuffed it all up nicely.

I then tied pieces of fishing line over it all.

I placed the java moss all over the piece, then put fishing line around the moss.

It was time consuming, but I feel it came out nicely and will hopefully grow in quite well..

Here is a crappy cell pic
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