[Junglist]

I have 2 lava rock structures that I would like to completely cover in Monte Carlo. There are many crevices and vertical faces. Because of the complex shape, I don't think that tying with string would be a good technique. Also because of the large area that would need to be covered, Im not sure super glue would be good either.

I would like to try out the dry start method, in hopes it will grow in evenly and quickly without hassle. Has anybody ever tried attaching lots of Monte Carlo to rocks via dry start? Any advice?

I would also be open to a similar plant that would look good completely covering a rock formation, if there are any ideas. Below Is the image of my rocks, minus the wood. That will be removed. Also, an image for the effect I want.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Junglist]

Perhaps at this point I'm screaming into the void. But I'm wondering if I do a DSM on lava rock using Monte Carlo, how would nutrients get to the MC during the dry period? Does it even matter?

Most people do this directly on the soil, but I'm planning on doing it on rocks.

I know with moss, you might make a paste with aqua soil to mix into the blend, which would feed the moss as it establishes.

Is the MC just going to die, since there will be no water column or substrate to hold nutrients?

Theres not much Info on this topic, so I'll be sure to post my results. Thanks for any tips!

 

[minorhero]

You would struggle to get a plant to live on that rock structure in dry start. I am assuming you will be using co2 after flooding?

Just tie monte Carlo to it with thread and flood immediately, still your best method if you want plants or moss. Run CO2 heavy while cycling to help the plants grow in.

 

[Junglist]

Just tie monte Carlo to it with thread

Hello, thanks for the response. I will be using CO2. Can you elaborate on why I would struggle? Is it the rock specifically, the Monte Carlo, or dry start in general that would pose the problem?

My issue with tying the MC onto the rock is that it's all glued together, forming a solid mass of dynamic shapes, angles and caves. The rock structure is not conducive to tying, like perhaps a branch or a single rock would be.

Thanks for your help.

 

[minorhero]

You just use more thread.

The reason you will struggle is that it will dry out. Usually in a dry start when you have slight elevation in the terrain, the high spots don't do as well. In this case the whole thing is dry spots.

The only reason to do dry start is if your not going to use co2. It doesn't make much sense to do it if planning for CO2 though.

 

[Frshwtr]

Not quite on the same scale, but in my nano shrimp tank I glued small pieces of MC on lava rock and it took a good 3 months for it to completely cover it. I had to do quite a bit of trimming and re-glueing it back on to get the shape that I wanted. I use a yeast based CO2 system so it's not necessarily high CO2. I now have emersed MC growing out of the top now its established. Here are some before and afters.

 

[anfield]

I have done dry start with MC on rocks. I used a spray bottle dosed with excel and nutrients. You will struggle with the plants closer to the light dying out. You could invest in a terrarium style mister that would spray at regular intervals. Trial and error are your friends!