Fightin' Algae with Algae!

[happypoet]

I have a 5g tank right in front of a window. ZERO Algae.
Sure, the shrimp would eat it if it were there, but I haven't seen a trace.
The reason? Marimo Balls/trees suck up all the nutrients that rogue algae might want. That's my theory, anyway.

"No, Sir. Haven't seen any algae, but if I do I'll be sure to let you know."

 

[Callmeconfused]

Hmmm, I'm hearing these words through a full mouth. Kinda like when you steal a cookie..."Have you seen my cookie?" *mumble* no- as crumbs fly out.


....my algae...

 

[Piranha86]

I like your idea. And your tank is awesomeee.

 

[maverickbr77]

I have seen a drastic drop in algae in the tanks I keep marimo in. Only negative I have had with it is I have one tank that likes to grow strings of it everywhere. (if only I could get it to grow in a mat instead of strings)

 

[fishycat]

My marimo did start throwing out some string/hair algae (a couple strands) in my 2.5 betta tank (lots of light). I tossed it into my 20H (snails/Endler's/shrimp) and it's the cleanest it's ever been!

Tank looks great! Although the banana plant really throws off the scale, it still lends a tropical feel...

 

[happypoet]

Although the banana plant really throws off the scale, it still lends a tropical feel...

I agree. I wouldn't have put it in there, but my wife wanted it. I do like it, though. Reminds me of the tanks we had when I was a little kid. I always wanted banana plants!

 

[RAustria]

Great looking tank. Gotta love those marimo balls

 

[Piranha86]

That's funny, 2 days after reading this, I saw an article in our local newspaper. They're attempting a *slightly* larger scale version of this in the Chesapeake bay, lol.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/bs-gr-algae-nutrients-energy-20100920,0,7558627.story

 

[Carch]

I've been wanting to buy some marimo forever, but I'm unable to find any for a low price. Most of the ones I see are $8-$12 for a single 2-3" ball, is this normal?

Could someone recommend a reliable website that supplies good-quality marimo, by chance?

 

[happypoet]

Great article, Piranha!
Mine at the LFS run $8 for whatever size they happen to have in.
2-4 inches, generally.