Description

Superfish Scapers Moss Tray:

Cultivation and Placement Guide

The Superfish Scapers Moss Tray is a purpose-designed aquascaping accessory created to simplify the process of cultivating and displaying aquatic mosses, such as Java Moss or Christmas Moss. It allows the aquarist to grow moss in a flat, dense layer, making it ideal for creating lush carpets, covering the base of décor, or providing a foraging ground and refuge for shrimp and fry.

Product Features and Design

• Flat, Open Design: The tray is shallow with a structured grid base. This ensures that the moss receives even light and water flow, promoting uniform, dense growth.
• Secure Fastening: It features numerous small holes or slots around the perimeter, allowing moss to be easily attached using fishing line (nylon thread) or moss glue before being submerged.
• Substrate Protection: The tray acts as a barrier, preventing delicate moss runners from being buried too deeply or sinking into the substrate, which can lead to decay and water quality issues.
• Easy Relocation: Once the moss has fully established itself on the tray, the entire unit can be moved, rotated, or temporarily removed from the aquarium without disturbing the growth, offering maximum flexibility in aquascape layout.

Instructions for Preparation and Use

The Moss Tray is typically used outside the aquarium for preparation, then fully submerged once the moss is secured.

1. Preparing the Moss

1. Portioning: Take a generous amount of your chosen aquatic moss (e.g., Java, Flame, or Weeping Moss).
2. Trimming: Trim the moss into small, fine pieces. This encourages the moss to branch out horizontally and adhere quickly to the tray.

2. Attaching the Moss

You have two primary methods for securing the moss:

• A. The Tie-Down Method: Spread the fine moss pieces thinly over the grid surface of the tray. Use fine, dark-coloured fishing line or cotton thread and carefully wrap it around the tray, securing the moss in place. The thread will be hidden once the moss starts to grow.
• B. The Glue Method: Use a cyanoacrylate-based aquatic plant glue. Place tiny, pea-sized dabs of glue on the tray and press the moss firmly onto the glue spots. Allow the glue to cure (usually $30$ seconds to $1$ minute) before submersion. Note: Ensure the glue is safe for aquarium use.

3. Submerging and Placement

1. Submerging: Gently lower the prepared tray into the aquarium.
2. Location: Place the tray in an area that receives moderate to high light, depending on the moss species chosen. Good water flow is essential to prevent algae build-up.
3. Growth Time: After $2-4$ weeks, the moss should have firmly attached and started its outward growth, providing a lush, green appearance.

Aquascaping Benefits

The Moss Tray is a professional tool for achieving specific aquascaping goals:

• Instant Carpet Effect: Multiple trays can be placed side-by-side on the tank floor to create a removable, uniform moss carpet faster than simply letting the moss grow over the substrate.
• Versatile Décor Covering: Use the trays to grow moss to be transferred onto large pieces of bogwood or rock, allowing for pre-grown, perfect placement.
• Control and Cleaning: If algae becomes an issue, you can temporarily remove the tray for focused cleaning or treatments without uprooting any other plants or disturbing the tank substrate.
• Breeding Areas: The dense moss layer provides an exceptional micro-habitat for fry (baby fish) and a grazing area for aquarium shrimp.