How to Attach Aquarium Moss to Driftwood

The right knots here and there keep moss attached to driftwood like algae to glass. Fine thread works best because, by the time it dissolves, the moss will have attached naturally to the driftwood. You can also use string, thin rope or fine fishing line. You don't need to tie 10 different knots. One piece of thread wrapped around the center of the moss and piece of driftwood works well. If one end of the moss starts to float up or away from the driftwood, you can tie that side down, too. Make sure the thread isn't overly tight but is secure enough that it won't float away when a snail brushes over it or the current blows past it.

Try as it might, moss won't have a chance to float away from your driftwood if super glue is holding it down. Super glue does have one major disadvantage: you need to remove the piece of driftwood from your tank to glue on the moss, if you don't use a new driftwood piece. After you've taken an existing driftwood from the tank, blot it with a paper towel, apply a few tiny dabs of super glue to the wood, and quickly attach the center of the moss to the spot. If you have a large piece of moss, you may want to glue down the ends as well. The wood can be somewhat wet, you just don't want it dripping. Wait a few minutes before placing the driftwood back into your tank. Opt for a gel form of super glue instead of liquid. Super glue may discolor your wood where it's applied, but the moss typically grows over the marred area and hides it.

Weighing down your moss isn't a great option to employ by itself, but it works well if you glue or tie your moss to the driftwood. The idea is simple: Place a few small pebbles or rocks on top of the moss to weigh it down. You'll probably need to adjust the rocks frequently, especially if you have snails, who will likely displace them.

If you don't want to play around with thread, glue or rocks, consider opting for a natural look. Most driftwood has small gashes, holes, rough areas and other features that lend well to affixing moss to it. Work the moss into the notches, around little knots and bumps, inside crevices and anywhere else that helps anchor the moss until it expands and grips the wood on its own. If you have strong water flow, snails or larger fish, this method may not work.