Can homogeneous/ceramic tiles be used to grow ricca/moss?

[bettapassion]

Hi all,

I'm tired of the squarish out look of the stainless steel mesh for planting ricca and moss from NA, I don't have the heart to cut them into odd shapes just in case I decided to recycle them for a bed of ricca or moss in future. BTW I'm not very artistic so dunno how to cut into natural looking shape. Just wondering if I just drop a piece of tile (which I stocked up a lot from my renovation) to break into pieces and use these "natural" broken tiles for planting ricca/moss would be nice, but afraid if they'll change the water properties. Any comments? Thanks.

[Allen_1971]

I guess that depends on the composition of the tile... generally though I would advise against it... breaking up a tile will probably leave lots of sharp edges which a careless fish might injure themself against.

[bettapassion]

that can be avoided by using a round file to file off the sharp edges, what I worried about is will it change the water properties? I was looking for rocks from LFS but all I can find are rounded polished ones, which make it impossible to tie using fishing line cause they always slip off these rocks.

[Simon]

shouldnt be a prob, just get smaller ones... (hint: sample tile)

[juggler]

Can also try the method at this thread: new and interesting ways to keep those riccia down

[vinz]

You can still use the round rocks and tie the moss with netting instead of lines. Use netting with bigger holes. Alternatively, use slate pieces like Kenzo.

[bettapassion]

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On 2/14/2003 10:33:44 AM

You can still use the round rocks and tie the moss with netting instead of lines. Use netting with bigger holes. Alternatively, use slate pieces like Kenzo.
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Using netting is a lot easier than fishing line, but all I can find are those which holes are too small for moss. The green mosquito net is all I can fine from most hardware store, you know any place to get bigger holes ones?

[bclee]

Hey... that sounds like a good idea for a backdrop. This reminded me that I have some leftover slate tiles in my storeroom. Growing some moss over it should make a good looking background.

BC

[CK Yeo]

It is safe. I have used them for many many years. No problems. Can use a screwdriver and hammer to break the tiles if you want more regular shapes. Run a rough file along the edges to smooth the sides. Can use nylon string to tie. Only problem is that it can be a bit of an eye-sore in the beginning stages if your tile is white or any fancy colour.

I find small black stones the best. Cheap and good.

ck

[Simon]

I have some sample tiles if anyone wants to try

[bclee]

The slate tiles I have look something like this:


Look's quite natural. Tempted to try it out...

BC

[Allen_1971]

Actually I think slate is a pretty good choice... just be careful of the sharp edges... I think slate tends to break into small very sharp fragments.