I usually use rubber bands to attach everything but when I set this one up there was so much non-substrate based plants that I stapled them on.
Still took about half an hour to get the lot on there but would've taken a few hours to thread rhizomes through elastic bands and then hope they didn't slip. Thread is just as bad sometimes especially trying to make sure there are no knots.
The staples weren't so big really. On the small rhizomes Needle leaf fern and Anubias Barteri v Nana Petite) I used 6mm staples and larger ones (Philippine java fern, Anubias Barteri and Anubias Barteri v Nana) I used 8mm.
Don't worry if the staple digs into the rhizome. Just like trees that are banded to poles the plant will not be harmed by a restriction. Some Rhizomes may snap whilst doing it in which case just do it again as 2 seperates
The best thing I found is that doing them this way they don't come loose, and they are rock steady in their positioning, no having to hold things while getting thread tight and then watching them slip when you let go. Its a case of staple and it ain't moving. Once the plant has been there a while the staple is invisible as with the ferns the roots cover it and Anubias leaves get so thick that you can see most of the rhizome.
Can you spot the staples? This is the only one I could spot that isn't hidden yet. Still shiny silver after 4 months submerged!!!
AC