Growing Moss Through Mesh

[MermaidMel]

I have an 8 x 8 x 8 cube that I am going to put a few shrimp in and I want to make a moss carpet, but instead of using any substrate for this [volume low enough as it is without adding substrate] I want to grow it through that plastic mesh stuff that the knitters use. Question is how to keep it weighted down. I was obviously going to spread some moss out then put the mesh over the top but if I use sealant I won't ever be able to remove it to clean underneath, it feels a bit too permanent. Or perhaps that's ok not to clean under it? Need some tips please?

 

[aaronnorth]

couple of rocks, moss will cover them up soon enough.

 

[loubega]

I have an 8 x 8 x 8 cube that I am going to put a few shrimp in and I want to make a moss carpet, but instead of using any substrate for this [volume low enough as it is without adding substrate] I want to grow it through that plastic mesh stuff that the knitters use. Question is how to keep it weighted down. I was obviously going to spread some moss out then put the mesh over the top but if I use sealant I won't ever be able to remove it to clean underneath, it feels a bit too permanent. Or perhaps that's ok not to clean under it? Need some tips please?

as said above you can use small stones or perhaps small weights, just make sure they are non-toxic,

a word of warning i tried this on previous tanks and the fitting has to be very tight otherwise fish, and i guess shrimps may get stuck underneath.

just keep an eye on it and it should be fine, shrimps should maybe be more able to remove themselves from a tricky spot underneath the mesh than a fish

 

[MermaidMel]

You've given me a top idea. Instead of substrate across the whole floor, make a substrate frame around the edges of the mesh. This way the volume will stay almost at capacity and there are no chances of livestock getting trapped underneath. Nice one guys, thank you for inspiring me

 

[killudead]

i could never get this to work. It ended up being more of a pita than anything. Removed and discarded.
but I will say that it may have been owner error.