PA Native or cheap moss for a moss wall in aquarium.?

Question

I'd like to build a moss wall for my corner tank. All the fancy mosses I see online are like $30 for only a couple inches. Are there any mosses native to PA (pittsburgh area) for free picking that could be used in a freshwater aquarium?

Do you have an opinion about moss walls / favorite materials / favorite species to use - good location to buy them?

Its for underwater use. Here are instructions for the project.

http://aquamoss.net/How%20to%20create%20a%20moss%20wall/How%20to%20create%20a%20moss%20wall.htm

It requires a lot of moss though. A 6cm x 6cm sample is not going to cut it.

Here is the species I like. Its too darn expensive though.

http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.cgi?liveplantsr&1172679055

Answer 1

Are you looking for something that will grow underwater for a freshwater tank? Most mosses won't do that well in this type of environment. You could look into Java moss (I know from your previous posts you're familiar with Elmer's, so I'd check there because they generally have the lowest prices in your area. You could also check Pet Supplies Plus in Monroeville - they now have driftwood with java moss & other plants already growing). There are also feathery "algaes" in good quality streams, but these need cold water, fast movement, and good lighting - I've never had much luck with them myself.

If you're looking for something terrestrial, the easiest & cheapest is to get it yourself (if you know someone with property that has moss growing on it - just rinse out very well before using). Other than that, the cheapest I've found is in craft stores - WalMart or Michael's in your area should have some in the floral decorating dept. to use at the bases of flower arrangements. Just don't buy the dyed stuff. You can also get unmilled sphagnum at garden supply and home supply stores. Craft store moss is dried, but will come back to green with water, good lighting, and time.

ADDITION: Looks like a nice project, but you'll probably need quite a bit of moss to get it like the end photo if you want to do this quickly. And your best bet would be Java moss or the Fissidens - Have you tried the PGH Aquarium Society? One of their auctions, maybe? Some of their members might be able to supply you with some. You can also check this website - I've bought supplies from them and their pretty good. They list Java, but son't give the quantity (plus you'd have shipping): http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/categoryInfo.web?options.passInCategoryKey=23204 I guess you've been looking at Ebay.