John Miller
Mushrooms can be tricky to attach to rocks, but there are several methods that can help. One option is to use an adhesive like super glue or epoxy, although this can be challenging with slippery mushrooms. Another approach is to place the mushroom in a small container with rocks and water, allowing it to attach naturally over one to two weeks. Netting or rubber bands can also be used to secure the mushroom to the rock, and some people suggest using a pin to hold the mushroom in place while it adheres. Others have found success with a gate method, trapping the mushroom in a low-flow area with aragonite rubble until it attaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for attachment | 1-2 weeks |
| Use of adhesives | Super glue, epoxy, and glue gel |
| Rock type | Aragonite, rubble, crushed coral, live rock |
| Water flow | Low flow area |
| Containers | Glass, small bowl, floating tanks |
| Other methods | Rubber bands, pins, netting |
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Using super glue
Prepare the Mushroom and the Rock:
Start by drying the underside of the mushroom with a tissue or a paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure that the glue adheres properly to the mushroom. At the same time, select a rock that is clean and dry. Aragonite rocks are often mentioned as a good choice for this purpose.
Apply the Super Glue:
Use a gel-style super glue as it tends to work better for this application. Place a small blob of super glue in the centre of the dried underside of the mushroom. Work quickly, as super glue dries fast.
Attach the Mushroom to the Rock:
After applying the glue, immediately place the mushroom on the rock, holding it in place for at least 10 seconds. This step ensures that the mushroom adheres securely to the rock. Be careful not to disturb or move the mushroom during this setting period.
Return the Rock to the Aquarium:
Once the glue has set, carefully place the rock with the attached mushroom back into the aquarium. Choose a low-flow spot in the tank to place the rock, as this will give the mushroom a better chance to grab on and stabilize.
Post-Attachment Care:
It may take some time for the mushroom to fully adjust to its new attachment. Keep an eye on it and ensure it doesn't come loose. You may need to gently stretch out the mushroom if it becomes folded or bunched up due to water flow or other factors.
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Placing in a low-flow area
Mushrooms can be challenging to attach to rocks, as they tend to float around the tank and may not always attach to the desired spot. Here are some detailed methods for placing them in a low-flow area to encourage attachment:
Using a Container or Netting:
Place the mushroom in a small container, bowl, or fine netting along with the rock you want it to attach to. You can use a rubber band to secure the netting closed. Put this setup in a low-flow area of the tank and leave it for a couple of weeks. The mushroom will attach to the rock during this time.
Using a Gate or Barrier:
Create a barrier or "gate" in a low-flow area of the tank using aragonite rubble or small rocks. Place the mushroom near this barrier, and it will help contain it in that area. You may need to help the mushroom by stretching it out and unbunching it so it doesn't remain folded up. Over time, it will attach to the rock.
Using Super Glue or Epoxy:
While some people have had success with underwater epoxy or super glue gel, others have found it challenging due to the glue drying too quickly or not adhering well to slimy mushrooms. One technique that has worked for some is to place a large mound of glue on the bottom of the mushroom outside the tank. When the glued mushroom is placed in the water, only the surface of the glue dries, allowing time for the mushroom to be positioned against the rock.
Using Crushed Coral or Sand:
Let the mushroom attach to crushed coral or sand first, as these surfaces are easier for the mushroom to grip. Once the mushroom has attached, you can use super glue or epoxy to adhere the mushroom, along with the crushed coral or sand, to the rock.
It's important to note that mushrooms have a mind of their own and may not always attach to the desired location. Patience is often required, as it can take one to two weeks for mushrooms to attach themselves to a rock.
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Using epoxy
Prepare the Mushroom and the Rock
Before you begin, gather your materials: epoxy glue suitable for underwater use, such as HoldFast epoxy, the mushroom, and the rock to which you want to attach it. Ensure the mushroom is alive and healthy, and choose a rock that is an appropriate size and type for the mushroom. The rock should be small enough that the mushroom can easily attach to it but not so small that it becomes unstable.
Dry the Mushroom
Using a clean cloth or paper towel, gently pat the mushroom dry. Removing excess moisture will help the epoxy adhere better and reduce the risk of slime interfering with the glue.
Apply the Epoxy
Take the epoxy and create a small ball with it, ensuring there is enough to cover the surface area of the mushroom's attachment point. You can also apply the epoxy directly to the rock if you feel more comfortable with that method. Place the mushroom on the desired spot on the rock, then press the ball of epoxy onto the base of the mushroom stem or cap, depending on the variety of mushroom.
Secure the Mushroom
Hold the mushroom in place for a few seconds to ensure it adheres to the epoxy. You can also place the mushroom-epoxy combination into a hole in the rock for added stability. If you are attaching multiple mushrooms, work with one at a time to prevent the epoxy from drying out.
Allow for Curing
Epoxy typically requires time to cure and set fully. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific epoxy you are using to determine how long this process will take. Do not disturb the mushroom during this curing period.
Post-Attachment Care
Once the epoxy has cured, carefully place the rock with the attached mushroom into your aquarium or desired location. Monitor the mushroom's health and ensure it is receiving adequate nutrients and water.
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Trapping in a net
One method to attach a mushroom to a rock is to use super glue. You can put super glue on a frag plug or rubble rock and then drop the mushroom on it. It can take around one to two weeks for the mushroom to attach itself. During this time, you may need to help the mushroom by stretching it out so that it does not remain folded up.
Another method is to trap the mushroom in a net. Nematode trapping fungi, or “nematophagous fungi,” are carnivorous fungi that have developed methods and structures that enable them to successfully trap and consume nematodes. These fungi prey on nematodes and are, in turn, consumed by organisms on the next trophic level. Nematophagous fungi and nematodes share a special predator-prey relationship. The nematodes, like many other soil inhabitants, secrete chemicals as they travel through the soil. Fungi that prey upon these nematodes have found a way to detect and respond to the existence of these chemicals. The fungi have also developed many sophisticated ways to trap the nematodes by attacking from both outside and within the nematode.
One way that fungi trap nematodes is by creating adhesive knobs or nets out of adhesive hyphae. The fungus creates such structures to trap the nematode within the adhesive net or knob, providing the fungus with a nitrogen-rich meal. Some fungi in the Pleurotaceae family of mushrooms take this a step further by secreting a nematocide that kills the nematode and prevents its escape.
Phallus indusiatus, commonly called the basket stinkhorn, is a species of fungus in the family Phallaceae, known as stinkhorns. The mature fruit bodies are up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) tall with a conical to bell-shaped cap that is 1.5–4 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) wide. The cap is covered with a greenish-brown spore-containing slime, which attracts flies and other insects that eat the spores and disperse them. The fruit body is characterised by a conical to bell-shaped cap on a stalk and a delicate lacy "skirt", or indusium, that hangs from beneath the cap and reaches nearly to the ground.
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Using a pin
It is recommended to stick the pin close to the mouth of the mushroom or at an angle near the mouth so that it exits out of the stem. This will help the mushroom adhere in place more quickly.
Some people prefer to use super glue or epoxy to attach mushrooms to rocks. However, this method can be challenging, as the glue may dry too quickly or not hold properly. Mushrooms can also be placed in a small bowl filled with rubble in a low-flow spot, and they will attach to the rock within one to two weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be stubborn and require a lot of patience when attaching them to a rock. You can try placing the mushroom in a small bowl with rubble or small rocks and leaving it in a low-flow area for one to two weeks. During this time, the mushroom will attach itself to the rock.
One of the most effective ways to attach a mushroom to a rock is to use epoxy or super glue gel. First, attach the mushroom to some sand or rubble, then use the adhesive to glue it to the rock.
You can place the mushroom and rock inside a piece of netting or mesh bag and secure it with a rubber band. After a few days to weeks, the mushroom will attach itself to the rock.
Depending on the method used, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for a mushroom to attach to a rock. Mushrooms are known to be stubborn and may require some patience.
It is important to provide a comfortable environment for the mushroom. Try placing it in a low-flow area to minimize stress and ensure the rock is small enough for the mushroom to attach to easily. You may also need to help the mushroom by stretching it out and unbunching it.
