Well i planned to run the fishing line through the foam ball and layer the java moss under it and finally knotting it after running it enough to hold the moss to it. The bio ball might work better if it floats.
Idea for Floating Java moss
- Thread starter dougolasjr
- Start date
Bioballs float, they're plastic, and would be useful for the shrimp even w/out the java moss. Algae would likely grow on them as well.
I think it sounds cool! You could set up a whole model of the solar system! ...that is, if you're an unbelievable dork, like me. 
:
I'd probably use the green styro that's used for fake flower arrangements so that it doesn't show through the moss so much. I don't mean that weird crumbly stuff---the last time I was at Micheal's, I saw regular styro that was just colored green. I have no idea if it would be aquarium-safe, though. I'd probably wash it well, attach the weight, soak it, and then test it in a QT tank with just one or two fish/shrimp for a week or two.
Whatever you decide to do, please post pictures!
:I'd probably use the green styro that's used for fake flower arrangements so that it doesn't show through the moss so much. I don't mean that weird crumbly stuff---the last time I was at Micheal's, I saw regular styro that was just colored green. I have no idea if it would be aquarium-safe, though. I'd probably wash it well, attach the weight, soak it, and then test it in a QT tank with just one or two fish/shrimp for a week or two.
Whatever you decide to do, please post pictures!
I think it sounds cool! You could set up a whole model of the solar system! ...that is, if you're an unbelievable dork, like me.
I'd probably use the green styro that's used for fake flower arrangements so that it doesn't show through the moss so much. I don't mean that weird crumbly stuff---the last time I was at Micheal's, I saw regular styro that was just colored green. I have no idea if it would be aquarium-safe, though. I'd probably wash it well, attach the weight, soak it, and then test it in a QT tank with just one or two fish/shrimp for a week or two.
Whatever you decide to do, please post pictures!
I never thought about getting green styro. That would look much better. I was also trying to think of something round shaped that would float that might be clear and safe. I may end up just going with the Bio ball idea. I've never seen Bio Balls anywhere do they sell them in big chain pet shops.
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I don't use bio balls, so I don't know how easy they are to find. What I do know is that they are not sold individually and they can be expensive. Your best bet may be to find a fellow hobbyist who would be willing to sell or give you just one.
EDIT: Love your avatar, by the way.
I don't use bio balls, so I don't know how easy they are to find. What I do know is that they are not sold individually and they can be expensive. Your best bet may be to find a fellow hobbyist who would be willing to sell or give you just one.
EDIT: Love your avatar, by the way.
Okay thanks for the info, and I love it also.
I too had wanted to make some floating java moss after having bought one at Petco.
I've used corks (like you'd put in a bottle) purchased from a craft store. I boiled them really good and they worked ok but didn't seem to hold alot of moss. I then purchased some stryofoam balls also sold at the craft store and I think I like those better. The styrofoam balls were harder to weight down under the water than the cork. I use black thread to put the moss on whatever floating media and fishing line to tie it to a weight. Fishing line weights work good as long as they are heavy enough. I've also tied them to rocks. Right now all of mine are just floating and the moss just hangs down and grows really fast!
Heres a pic of some of mine floating. The top is a bit out of the water and then its hanging way down in the water.
I'd say experiment a bit and see what works best for you and what you want.
I've used corks (like you'd put in a bottle) purchased from a craft store. I boiled them really good and they worked ok but didn't seem to hold alot of moss. I then purchased some stryofoam balls also sold at the craft store and I think I like those better. The styrofoam balls were harder to weight down under the water than the cork. I use black thread to put the moss on whatever floating media and fishing line to tie it to a weight. Fishing line weights work good as long as they are heavy enough. I've also tied them to rocks. Right now all of mine are just floating and the moss just hangs down and grows really fast!
Heres a pic of some of mine floating. The top is a bit out of the water and then its hanging way down in the water.
I'd say experiment a bit and see what works best for you and what you want.
I too had wanted to make some floating java moss after having bought one at Petco.
I've used corks (like you'd put in a bottle) purchased from a craft store. I boiled them really good and they worked ok but didn't seem to hold alot of moss. I then purchased some stryofoam balls also sold at the craft store and I think I like those better. The styrofoam balls were harder to weight down under the water than the cork. I use black thread to put the moss on whatever floating media and fishing line to tie it to a weight. Fishing line weights work good as long as they are heavy enough. I've also tied them to rocks. Right now all of mine are just floating and the moss just hangs down and grows really fast!
Heres a pic of some of mine floating. The top is a bit out of the water and then its hanging way down in the water.
I'd say experiment a bit and see what works best for you and what you want.
How did you attach the fishing line to the foam ball.
I just wrapped the line around once and tied a knot and then again the other way and tied another knot. Kind of like going north/south and then east/west....lol....making an X of sorts I guess. You might have to tie a couple of knots in order for the knotting to stay. The smaller the fishing line, the easier it is. Also pulling it as tight as possible before knotting cuz it will loosen some.
Then you can thread a piece of fishing line under THAT (X) to run down to your weight or rock. I hope that makes sense...its hard to explain. Anyway its easy......just experiment a bit.
Heres a pic of the cork and different stryofoam I've used. I've even cut the stryofoam balls in half and that works good too.
Oh okay, I was thinking of running the line threw the ball and coming out and down a few times to hold the moss but it may be easier your way.
