Hey Justtalk. Getting into aquascaping I see. Like my shrimp tank set up, the riccia took about over 1 week to get going. Either the mesh was tied too tight or the lighting didn't get to the riccia.

The small PLC is what I'm using too. Just have to bend the arm closer towards the water (but not too much otherwise break). And angle the light so that as much light as possible gets to the riccia.

The size of the mesh is about the same as mine.

About the riccia melting, just give it some time. Patience. With enough light, riccia will grow. My tank is a 8 gallon and has 18w. 2 watts and a bit more per gallon. I get pearling but growth is just OK.

As for the floating bits, hmm... riccia is like that. Have to be rajin a bit to clear them.

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The nose runs and the feet smell - go figure
Steven