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Moss Milkshake?
#1
I read recently, I'm not sure where, about making a moss milkshake in a blender and then simply squirting the moss in the places that you want it to grow.  Is there any truth to this and if so what is the best moss to use for this type of application.  I am very new to this hobby of live vivs and have found that all the research I have done in the past several months has all become a little overwhelming.  Also, why do some people use plastic film cases to plant their plants in?  I thought that plants needed drainage and t would seem to me that pots and film cases mounted in GS wouldn't help with the drainage issue.    Can someone explain this for me? Many thanks.
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#2
Travisf50,
I have heard of people using the moss milkshake method and they say it usually does work. I think most people use the pillow/cushion moss to mix with the butttermilk and water, although I don't think it will matter what you use as long at it is a live moss.

I believe the film canisters you are seeing are not for plants, but are for the frogs. Some of the thumbnail species will frequent the canisters to lay eggs and deposit tadpoles.
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#3
so they mix it with buttermilk and water? Why the buttermilk? Also I was out in my backyard looking for bufo americanus as it just had finished raining when I found a ton of moss growing in a few spots. How should I plant it in my viv to keep it growing and alive. I'm certain there have been no chemiacls used on it as it is my yard of course. Would it grow fine in coco fiber as it is what I plan on using. Should I try a different substrate? I'm so new do this it's rediculous. I have experience with other tailess amphibs but have never built a live viv. Thanks. Found two toads by the way. I don't keep them I just like to see them in the wild.
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#4
Live moss should grow fine on coco fibre and will also take on wood, orchid bark chips and I believe a popular way to encourage it is to plant it on a layer of the dried sphagnum moss you can buy.
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#5
most moss in our yards need a dormant period or it will die in the tank. if you have "tropical" moss it is supposed to grow year round without a dorment period.
the milkshake, the reason for buttermilk is because of the fermenting of the milk gives moss a good start at growing. i think it is the yeast or somethng like that. i had a friend that used light beer to grow the moss. worked but didn't smell as bad.
walt
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#6
for the moss milkshake, you take some of the moss you want to use, put it in a blender with buttermilk, then puree it. take the mixture and paint it onto wherever you want moss and give it lots of light and moisture. can also use cheap beer.
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#7
I for one had a very bad experience using the buttermilk method. Search this forum and you can read all about it. It completley destroyed my first vivarium. My theory on this is that the buttermilk is too strong for a small enclosed space and is better used to grow moss outdoors. You should try the light beer method and maybee experiment in a small container you dont care about before going headlong into your Viv.
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#8
Another alternative would be plain yoghurt, but I'm not sure if that would be much better for the viv.
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#9
the milkshake thing works but immediately after the moss needs to be waterlogged and in direct light. so before putting it your viv put it in some gallon ziplocks in the window or giant clear tupperware with a grow light over it. wait/ignore for two weeks til your seeing some fresh moss pieces then put into the viv

use Buttermilk or
light beer
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#10
Milk? No.

Yoghurt? No.

Beer? No.

Water? Yes.

High humidity? Yes.

Good light? Yes.

Anything else is just a gimmick.

I also have temperate UK moss growing well and about to go through it's second winter at 25C.
[-] The following 1 user Likes Paul's post:
  
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#11
The science behind the beer/milk/yogurt thingy is that it created an acidic environment that many mosses find favorable to establish, as well as seeps into the substrate, rock, or wood it is coated in, providing optimal sites for moss growth and expansion. While this is true, I have not found it to be extra beneficial in vivariums.

The reason being is the substrate, leaves, and most woods are already dead and tend to have the acidic properties that mosses love. Using the beer, etc. might be beneficial if you are coating rocks or a clay background, but in my experience with moss, its not a requirement, nor will you see better growth.

I know My Moss Wink

[Image: u4kBj.jpg]
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