Java Moss to Rocks

[Captain Hook]

I recently built a slate cave for my fish and was thinking about trying to get java moss to attach the top of it. However the top is a very smooth piece so I'm not sure how or if it can be done.

Basically the cave has a flat top with a C of supports around the bottom, so the front is the only open side. Any ideas?

Similar to this: http://www.plantgeek.net/articles/diy_slate_terrace/caveentrance.jpg

[Jamie]

I attached my moss to a rock with fishing line. I'm not too sure what kind of rock it is, only that it passed the vinegar test. The moss has continued to grow and the fishing line has never been noticable. Actually I've never removed it...I can only assume that after so many months that at least some of the moss has rooted into the rock. Either way, If the moss roots to your slate or not, it can be held in place effectively and asthetically with fishing line.

[Mark_b]

The java moss will be able to hold onto that slate. Tie it on tightly with a bit of cotton and in a few weeks take of the cotton, you should find that at least some of the moss will have attached itself and started growing along the rock and it will then continue to grow and cover it over a few months!

[Captain Hook]

Thanks guys good to hear it can be attached. The cave will be going into the tank in a couple days so I will have to get my fishing line ready. I think the top is too smooth for the moss to get ahold of, but it can probably attach onto the sides and everything.

[djlen]

Moss will attach itself to slate. Even the 'smooth' areas are porous and that's all Java Moss needs. I've heard that some people have had it attach itself to plastic filter siphons.

Send us a picture when it starts to fill out......gonna look neat!!

Len

[TKOS]

My brother had a large piece and actually attached it using a hair net. After a week or so the java moss grew enough to block out and signs of the hair net.

[Captain Hook]

Interesting stuff. Len I didn't think it would be able to attach to such smooth surfaces!

[vicious]

Could the same epoxy that we use to glue animals to rocks (corals) work for plants? Would the epoxy harm the plants? Just a thought might make it easier for the plants to bond to a slicker surface, like the glass on the back of the tank.