Moss wall? Background?

[dan2x38]

Setting up a new 75g. I want to go with a kind of Amazon look since eventually will be adding discus. Will likely have some Blue Rams & Cardinals or Rummy Nose. What do you think Christmas, Willow, or Java moss would like as a moss wall for some part of it? Would any of these mosses survie the higher temps? If not any suggestions? It will not be a high light tank.

[Zoe]

I'd go with the Christmas Moss... I think they would all be fine in the tank but I just prefer the look for Xmas Moss in a wall.

[dan2x38]

I'd go with the Christmas Moss... I think they would all be fine in the tank but I just prefer the look for Xmas Moss in a wall.

So temps would be OK & the look for an Amazon theme?

[Fishnut]

Sorry Dan.  The temps required for discus would not be good for any moss.  They like water in the cooler range...75ish.

[Zoe]

I have some moss in about 88F water and it seems to be growing ok... almost no light though it grows very slowly.

[Fishnut]

Wow!  That's opposite to everything I've read about mosses!

[BigDaddy]

Most mosses do better under cooler temps, but I have had standard java moss do okay in 84F temps.

If you aren't doing the entire back of the tank, then you probably shouldn't do it.  The tetras, even with a full wall glass to glass, will get caught behind the mesh and foul the water (not to mention the poor fate of the tetra).

[woodendude]

I have Java Moss in a cichlid tank at 80 degrees and I must say I've seen better looking moss,  it's very slow growing and not anywhere near as green as other mosses I've seen in cooler tanks.


Derek

[dan2x38]

I did not think about the dither fish getting trapped. I really would not want a 4' moss wall either. I do not like clear glass back walls. What else could I do, no rock walls going for an Amazon theme. What does 1 solid colour (blue) look like in a 4'? I have black eco-system substrate.

[jrs]

Mosses will survive and grow at higher temps.  The key to any mosses is patience; they grow but just very, very slowly.  This tank is about 78-80F.  You can do the entire back in xmas but you will have to do it in stages to save enough moss; probably a 2 year period

[bettaman]

check this out.. it shows u how to build a christmas moss wall step by step

http://www.killies.com/Mosswall.htm

[plecoL83]

I have java moss in my tank and it grows anything but slowly, i have to remove huge clumps almost every week!

[PrincessFish]

Wow jrs your tank looks amazing.  May I ask what kind of lighting you have?  I am considering an upgrade to a 2 fixture T5 from the basic 1 fixture T8 and would like to get an idea of what kind of difference I will find.  Thanks in advance!

[dan2x38]

Well after a week I decided I do not like the solid colour blue background. One reason I used Vaseline to attach it but it shows blotchy. I do not think I will keep it but how can you eliminate all the bubbles that make it blotchy? Has anyone else used Vaseline for a solid colour background?

[BigDaddy]

Yes... you need a stiff card or hardcover book to push all the airbubbles out.  Its a lot of work on a bigger tank, but worth it.

The 75 you saw at my place is a solid blue background applied with Vasoline.

[Toss]

If you go planted, try black. At the end you wont see the background anyway, tall plants will take care of it

[dan2x38]

Yes... you need a stiff card or hardcover book to push all the airbubbles out.  Its a lot of work on a bigger tank, but worth it.

The 75 you saw at my place is a solid blue background applied with Vasoline.

Now it is in place I can't reach that far or move the tank... LOL My arms aren't long enough... any ideas? I remembered yours that is one reason I wanted a solid colour.

Toss: I did think about black.

[Toss]

just flip your blue background, the other side is black

[Nerine]

squeegee? should work to remove bubbles...I have one attached to my snow brush for the car

[Fishnut]

Hahaha...sqeegie...a new tool in the closet of "good to have" fish supplies   

I have black on my tank as well Dan.  It makes the plant colours pop because of the contrast and the plants hide it.  In my other tanks I have the hagen background with the beach rock wall and some crypts.  It looks good as well.  I just happened to have some extra black kicking around, so I used it.