It Looks A Mess! Advice Please

[Akasha72]

Hiya all,
I didn't know where to put this thread but I need to ask questions about my bogwood and java moss.

My bogwood has been in the tank nearly 6 months now. I added some Java moss to it about 3/4 months ago. It's now grown stupidly and is getting out of control.

When I added the java moss I tied it to the bog wood with clear thread as I thought it was the best way but now it's grown it's all coming away from the wood and looks so messy.

What I want to do is strip it back and start again but I really don't know how it can work as I want to add the moss to other areas where it's impossible to tie it on and still be safe for the fish.

Now the wood is wet I'm guessing it's not possible to attach it with silicone or glue(I've read some people have used super glue to attach the moss - something I was too scared to do!)

Can anyone offer any advice on what to do?

 

[Akasha72]

Here's a pic of it

 

[Lufbramatt]

Superglue works fine, just get stuff that says it contains cyanoacrylate only. It sets by reastion to moisture and then becomes inert- they even use it in hospitals to glue cuts back together!

If you have too much, stick it for sale for a few quid on the plant classifieds on here- its hard to get "unattached" java moss in shops- always comes stuck to a silly little bit of driftwood- so seems to go pretty quick.

 

[Akasha72]

will the superglue work though now the wood is saturated?

It's not that I have too much moss - I really like the look of it - I just want to add more to other areas of the wood where tying on isn't an option

 

[CezzaXV]

I'd wipe down the surface of the wood and maybe use a hairdryer on it to get the surface a little dryer. It should be okay, but you'll want to get rid of any excess moisture.

I used, believe it or not, a hairnet to attach moss to some rocks. I then tied string over the top. After a little while the moss grows and you won't see either.

 

[Akasha72]

I never thought of a hairnet!! Hmm ... now there's an idea

I'll have a look around and see what I can get in glue with the right contents and if that doesn't work out I may go down the hairnet route. The problem I'm having it getting it to stay where I want it. My fish keep routing around in it for bits of missed food and dislodging it and then I'm up to my elbows in water trying to get it to go back - stressing the fish out in the process

Thanks guys. I'll post pictures if I manage to improve it

 

[CezzaXV]

I got my superglue in the pound shop. It was £1 (obviously!) for 10 tubes!

 

[Akasha72]

I got some superglue today that contains that cyanoacrylate stuff.

So my plan would appear that I need to remove the wood, pull all the moss off and dump it in some tank water. Dry off the wood with hairdryer then glue the moss back where I want it ... ?

Does that sound okay? I've not done this before so I'm clueless other than basic common sense

 

[CezzaXV]

I'd leave the moss out of water while you're doing it. It'll be okay for the short amount of time, and it'll allow the excess moisture to run off. While some say it's fine to do wet, I found the moisture didn't help make it easy.

 

[Cazgar]

I laid my willow moss on paper towels, & dabbed dry on the wood the spots where I wanted to put it.
You may need to use a good dollop of glue, but it dies the job

 

[FishFanatic04]

I have superglued an anubias with my hand and the glue in the water. {A salty had done it with corals} Worked fine. I have also glued wet plants to wet wood. It cures faster once it hits the water.

 

[Akasha72]

okay, thanks for those hints. I'll be doing maintenace this weekend so I'll have a go then and let you all know how I get on. Thanks again