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I just bought some Moss Balls, kinda neat looking, but now what?.. just what do I do with them..do they just sit on the bottom, can they be attached to something. Im thinking they would not be called balls if so..
they need currant to keep there shape and moving it by hand..
adds a different look.. anyone have any, share your pics if you have any..
Sue

I have several. they are in my 13 gallon bay front... I purchased many of them on the net from Singapore. they cannot be attached if they are legitimate Marimo balls. if they are not they are probably a balled up form of java, xmas or Taiwan moss. they do not need actual current top keep the shape although a good current wont hurt. you simply need to squeeze them out in tank water after a change and roll them up again... like cleaning out a delicate sponge... if they break or anything just roll the two or more pieces and over time they too will be spherical. My camera is not working ATM or you would have some pictures. They are great for shrimp or scavenger feeders because of the detrius and etc they hold. They are actually an algae from Japan that forms the balls, they are not a true moss although their name says otherwise. Not to fear they do not propagate quickly. chances are your ball is 10+ years old as they grow incredibly slow. cherish your marimo as they are rare, expensive, and beautiful... they need no true water specs so long as they are kept in relatively clean water. ENJOY!

-Brandon

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

..Ive done some research, they are the Marimo balls, Im goingto buy a whole wack off them when my 80gal is running. I ordered them in through my fish order, thought they would be a different pick for my customers, but are a tad expensive..about 12-13 bucks.. glad I didnt have to pay thet much..lol
My Sumo loach really likes it..My upsidedown cat have been over to investigate too..lol
interesting they are..
Sue

I've read a few things im not too sure about.
One site stated that they keep their natural round shape due to current flow. This same site says that during they day they float (photosynthesis) and then sink at night - i have never seen this happening.
Also, ive heard that you can flatten them out and use them as a matt of algae/moss..
James

oh good.at my lfs i saw these but was skeptical to buy them because the worker made it out like they were basically mosses from dry land balled up and put into water, but apparently it is a real thing.plus i need a plant the oscar wont rip up.and that isnt messy like hornwart.

hmmm my marimo float occaionally but only whn they dont get enough light. you can flatten them, but they would need to be turned over at least once a week as the bottom part will start to die off or go dormant... the balls are very interesting and very evolved... if you look on plantgeeks.net (i think thats the site) they will give more detailed information.

great plants!

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

thanks all.. seems some do keep them.. for the high cost that they can be.
I like the look of them, just being different
Ive read as well that 3in ones can be up to 10 yrs old..Im hoping to inquire more soon, and would like to get a couple much, much bigger..
im going to watch for the floating of them, mine has been moved a couple of times in the few days..I think its my Upsidedown catfish thou.

I've been keeping Marimo "moss" balls for quite some time & I find them very good in breeding tanks, as they absorb all the quite a few "nasties" from the water, but I never saw them float. Occasionally I move them around (but the fish move them most)& they are very easy to take care of.

I think that your Oscar will rip or eat it, Cichlid Kid.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

ok thankyou jason.and what do you mean they help get all the nasties out of the water, as ihave a breeding tnak.

They are said to be great for algae control, because they "outcompete" the algae by using the same nutrients & reduce the algae from your tank.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

would they be good in a livebearer breeding tank?

I keep them in nearly all my tanks. I have them with Corydoras & Livebearer fry. With fully grown Corydoras & with Angelfish. Even in the planted tanks I run & I can assure you that they're very very easy to keep.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

I purchased a moss ball at a local LFS where I had never seen them. So, when I saw this beauty, I pounced! Mine sits at the bottom of my 55 just looking kool, lol. It's a perfect sphere, doesn't change or move at all. I am going to get some more for the other tanks, now that I hear they can help reduce the chances of some algaes and other mosses by using their specific nutrients!

I have heard of people using certain power head set ups to keep the moss balls afloat and rotating... its interesting for the fish to swim around and it helps keep the moss balls in their natural environment of the Japanese lakes with tide.

the movement is good for the plant and adds an interest point to the tank.

in case you didnt know already, Marimo balls (moss balls) are considered to be lucky and many house holds have large ones in jars. they cherish these and many are divided and given to children when they move out for marriage as a symbol of luck.

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"