new way of planting?

**spilopterus** · 25th Jul 2002, 21:30

Hey guys, was thinking of doing a background with x'mass moss. You think I could simply do it by clamping it between two wire mesh?

**BFG** · 25th Jul 2002, 21:43

Spilopterus, think u go down 2 see PetSafari's background x'moss. From there u see whether u could use the same technique or see any future problem arise from the setup.

**Simon** · 25th Jul 2002, 21:56

try not to use wire mesh, try something non-metalic... u seen those plastic net mesh sold in florist/DIY shops?

**raytan12** · 25th Jul 2002, 23:49

Hi Simon,
why can't use metallic mesh? any reasons? i just used one for my xmas moss. will get it change if i have to

**Simon** · 26th Jul 2002, 01:41

rust.. leak something into the tank?

**spilopterus** · 26th Jul 2002, 09:09

Could you tell me how pet safari does it? Cause its very inconvenient for me to go down there.

I was thinking if stainless steel is ok.

**vinz** · 26th Jul 2002, 09:18

Spilo,

Petmart is selling a black plastic mesh that comes in different hole size. If you can find a fine one, maybe you can try that. Problem is securing it. It tends to curl back into a roll.

**spilopterus** · 26th Jul 2002, 09:37

Thats why I was thinking wire mesh, firm and I can just stick it into the gravel. very thin too you see.

By the way, thanks for your blyxa. Hope it grows well. Root monsters here I come.

**vinz** · 26th Jul 2002, 09:44

Hmmm, what size are you going to cut the wire mesh? Cos if its pieces only a few inches square then the black mesh will do too, cos it will be a slight curve only.

If only you posted this earlier, I could have brought some samples when I passed you the Blyxa yesterday. Anyway, you've given me some ideas for my Arowana tank...

Damn, I so wish to use the abbrev. of Blyxa japonica cept for the fact it's so... ummm... suggestive. LOL.

**vinz** · 26th Jul 2002, 09:47

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On 7/26/2002 9:37:53 AM

By the way, thanks for your blyxa. Hope it grows well. Root monsters here I come.
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No prob. I just learnt yesterday, that Root Monster also has base fert and probably other forms of fert. I'm referring to the substrate booster, the one that looks like a lot of yellow balls stuck together in the shape of a bottle cork.

**raytan12** · 26th Jul 2002, 11:52

Simon, but i'm using those kind of stainless steel mesh, should be ok right?

**Simon** · 26th Jul 2002, 12:13

better not

**bclee** · 26th Jul 2002, 13:38

Stainless steel should be alright. Anyway, the little Fe that gets into the water can be utilised by the plants. Those base ferts may even leach more Fe than stainless steel.

I have even know of ppl adding iron fillings in the base fert.

BC

**spilopterus** · 26th Jul 2002, 21:25

Fe getting into the water and acting as fert. Hmmm... good for my H.polysperma. Is it really a good fert?

**DEA** · 26th Jul 2002, 23:43

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On 7/26/2002 1:38:24 PM

Stainless steel should be alright. Anyway, the little Fe that gets into the water can be utilised by the plants. Those base ferts may even leach more Fe than stainless steel.

I have even know of ppl adding iron fillings in the base fert.

BC
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stainless steel doesn't rust much
if you get the high carbon iron mesh then you probably shouldn't use it
it rusts and breaks apart eventually

but my main gripe is the edges
fish like discus tend to flop about when they're panicking and the edges could really rip them up

**spilopterus** · 27th Jul 2002, 11:45

Ah yes, I was thinking of that, but it should be ok since it is a background. its not sticking out or anything. Besides, fold in half and stick the sharp ends into the gravel.

**DEA** · 27th Jul 2002, 16:04

there're still corners, spilo

**hwchoy** · 27th Jul 2002, 20:45

spilo, I have tried the plastic mesh method before (btw you can buy these mesh from any neighbourhood &quot;five-gold&quot; store, no need to go to LFS). Problem with the plastic mesh is it is non-rigid and tends to curl. It must be stuck to the back using suction pad so there is a gap between the mesh and the glass. Things tend to get stuck behind (dirt, mulch, dead stuff, frantic fishes). Also depending on the size and shape of the holes, you'd also find some fishes getting stuck halfway while trying to swing through the holes. I had to extract quite a few stiff dead and stuck rummynose this way.

also you have to fold the plastic mesh to keep the moss in the middle while they try to grow through the holes. Tying them down is a hassle due to the flexible mesh.

on the other hand, steel mesh is nice and rigid, not much holes for stuff to swim through and get stuck, you get tie the moss onto the surface of the steel mesh (so no need to fold) with fine fishing lines, easier for the moss to grow too.

however there is the sharp corners to worry about. I'm thinking perhaps to trim the mesh so there are no protruding steel wires, then silicone the entire rim of the mesh to remove sharp edges.

why don't you try it and let us know?

**wks** · 27th Jul 2002, 22:48

----------------
On 7/26/2002 1:38:24 PM

Stainless steel should be alright. Anyway, the little Fe that gets into the water can be utilised by the plants. Those base ferts may even leach more Fe than stainless steel.

I have even know of ppl adding iron fillings in the base fert.

BC
----------------

Plants only take in Fe2+ ion(unstable form), the iron rust from mesh already oxidised so its useless.

**hwchoy** · 27th Jul 2002, 23:23

the steel mesh I've been using (from Nature) doesn't rust.

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