Attaching Java Moss with Cotton Thread: Two Spools Compared
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Both cotton threads in this guide are sold for one job: holding a small piece of moss against driftwood, rock or other hardscape until it attaches. This guide explains how to tie moss with thread and compares the two spools by length, color, stated use and the breakdown time each listing gives. Neither spool contains moss, so you need to buy the moss separately.
Quick answer
Pick the SunGrow spool if you need a green thread for a few small pieces. It is 20 meters (65 feet). Pick the JARDLI spool if you expect to tie moss in many places over time. It is 200 meters (656 feet) of natural cotton in forest green.
Both listings say the thread breaks down, and they give different breakdown information. The SunGrow listing says the thread breaks up over time, and one bullet heading says days, with no number given. The JARDLI listing gives 3 to 5 weeks in an aquarium and 10 to 15 weeks in a terrarium, while a separate bullet says the time varies with temperature, moisture, water quality and biological activity. Neither figure is a test result, so check each tie after the first few weeks.
The two spools side by side
| Detail | SunGrow Java Moss Cotton Thread | JARDLI Java Moss Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon ASIN | B07DL1L18Y | B0H6RX7B3F |
| Length | 20 meters (65 feet) | 200 meters (656 feet), one spool |
| Material | Cotton | Natural cotton; the listing calls it biodegradable |
| Color | Green | Forest green |
| Stated use | Tying plants to driftwood and rocks; the description names shrimp tanks, community aquariums, water terrariums and betta fish tanks, and lists willow, Java plants, java fern, duckweed and hornwort as plants it is used for | Aquariums, shrimp tanks, humid terrariums and paludariums; attaching Java moss, Riccia and similar mosses |
| Stated breakdown | Breaks up over time after it is tied and dropped to the bottom; one bullet heading says “in a matter of days”; no number in the description | Aquarium 3 to 5 weeks; terrarium 10 to 15 weeks, per the listing; the terrarium figure applies to humid terrariums, where the listing says the thread decomposes more slowly than in water |
| Item model | TE-9MHI-WP32 | JAMOSSLINE |
| Package size | 2.6 x 1.77 x 0.83 inches | 5.08 x 4.13 x 1.38 inches |
| Item weight | 0.634 ounces | 0.634 ounces |
| First available | August 27, 2019 | June 27, 2026 |
Product cards
SunGrow Java Moss Cotton Thread, 20 Meters, Green
Listing details:
- Length: 20 meters (65 feet), which the listing says can be cut into smaller pieces
- Material and color: Cotton, green
- Stated use: Shrimp tanks, community fish aquariums and water terrariums; the description also names betta fish tanks
- Breakdown: Breaks up over time after it is tied and dropped to the bottom of the tank; the title says it “dissolves eventually.” The word biodegradable does not appear on the listing.
- Safety claim: The description says the thread “will not affect your plants and pets.” The listing cites no test.
- Brand and manufacturer: SunGrow; the manufacturer field reads Marimo Pet Store
Best for: Short pieces of moss on a small piece of hardscape, where you want a green thread.
Skip if: You need a long supply, or you need a breakdown time stated in weeks.
SunGrow Java Moss Cotton Thread (ASIN B07DL1L18Y) (affiliate link)
JARDLI Java Moss Thread, 656 ft Cotton Line
Listing details:
- Length: 656 feet (200 meters) on one spool
- Material and color: Natural cotton, forest green; the listing calls it biodegradable
- Stated use: Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, humid terrariums and paludariums
- Breakdown: Aquarium 3 to 5 weeks; terrarium 10 to 15 weeks, per the listing; the bullets say the time varies with temperature, moisture, water quality and biological activity
- Steps: The listing gives a four-step method for tying moss, covered below
Best for: Several tie points over time, with one long spool.
Skip if: You need the listing itself to name betta fish; this listing does not.
JARDLI Java Moss Thread, 656 ft Cotton Line (ASIN B0H6RX7B3F) (affiliate link)
How to tie moss with thread
- Divide the moss. The JARDLI listing says to work with small portions.
- Place the moss. Set a portion on the driftwood, rock or cork bark where you want it to grow.
- Wrap the thread. Wrap it around the moss and the surface several times. The JARDLI listing says to wrap snugly and not to compress the plant.
- Tie and trim. Tie the thread securely and trim the excess.
- Place the piece. The SunGrow listing describes dropping the tied piece to the bottom of the tank after tying it.
Neither listing gives a tie count, a tension figure or a waiting time before you place the piece. The JARDLI Directions field reads “Reference manual,” and the four steps above are the only instructions on that page. Neither listing gives the thread’s thickness or strength. Check the first tie after a few days, and retie it if the moss shifts. For plant options that pair well with a tied-on moss, see live plants for a betta fish tank.
Which spool fits your job
For one or two small pieces, the SunGrow spool is the shorter and simpler choice. Its listing says the thread can be cut into smaller lengths, and its green color is described as blending into the tank.
For a planted piece with several tie points, or for repeat projects, the JARDLI spool gives far more thread. Its listing also includes the step-by-step tie method above.
Common mistakes
Wrapping too tightly
The JARDLI listing warns against wrapping too tightly or compressing the plant.
Treating the thread as permanent
Both listings describe the thread as breaking down. Do not count on it to hold moss for the life of the tank. Check the tie as the moss grows.
Expecting the thread to include moss
Neither product includes moss. Buy the moss separately.
Assuming a betta claim applies to both spools
The SunGrow description names betta fish tanks. The JARDLI listing does not name betta fish, so its uses should be read as aquarium and terrarium uses.
FAQ
Does either spool include moss?
No. Both listings describe thread only.
How long does the thread last?
The JARDLI description gives 3 to 5 weeks in an aquarium and 10 to 15 weeks in a terrarium. The SunGrow listing says it breaks up over time and gives no number. Neither figure has been tested for this guide, and the JARDLI listing says the time varies.
Can I use these threads in a shrimp tank?
Both listings name shrimp tanks as a suitable setting.
Which spool is longer?
The JARDLI spool is 200 meters (656 feet). The SunGrow spool is 20 meters (65 feet).
Bottom line
Use a cotton thread to hold moss on driftwood, rock or cork bark while it attaches. The SunGrow spool is short and green, and the JARDLI spool is long, natural cotton with a full tie method. Neither spool includes moss, and neither listing gives a tested breakdown time. The JARDLI listing says moss remains attached after the cotton breaks down; that is a manufacturer claim, so check each tie as the moss grows.
