Moss balls?

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CerenaDaft

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Oct 17, 2011
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I figured i should post this here.

I have spent all of my money on fish (I don't have a job and am a minor) so I was wondering if one could MAKE moss balls. I have some shrimp and I think they would like some moss. Or an substitute for it would be nice as long as it's cheap.
 
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My guess is, based on how I've seen Java moss grow even in a short period of time, that it wouldn't keep a "ball" shape for very long. Although I wonder if something like Riccia would be easier to "tame" into that shape?

That being said Marimo balls are pretty commonly available and although I've never priced them out myself I doubt they are a budget breaker. I do understand being short on cash but do you already have said moss or does that still need to be purchased as well? The shrimp could care less if it is in a sphere or a mat attached to something.
 
I let my moss grow however it wants. The shrimp seem to be quite happy with it. Also my Endler fry like to swim in and out of it, sort of like playing in it.
 
Your endler fry aren't just swimming in and around it, I believe moss balls especially java moss have a lot of microscopic organisms and rotifers living and breeding on it. So even though you can't see them your fry do and they are feeding on them. That is why Java moss is very popular among breeders. it serves as a place to lay eggs and offers them protection from larger fish and it allows the fry food and protection. Your shrimp will also feed on some of this stuff growing on the moss, that is what they are grooming when you see them go to town.
 
BettaFishMommy said:
marimo moss balls are not actually moss, they are algae.
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I know, but I assumed the OP was asking about an actual moss ball at first...a marimo, although not moss, would be a better option for looks if they really want a "moss ball"
 
bradlgt21 said:
Your endler fry aren't just swimming in and around it, I believe moss balls especially java moss have a lot of microscopic organisms and rotifers living and breeding on it. So even though you can't see them your fry do and they are feeding on them. That is why Java moss is very popular among breeders. it serves as a place to lay eggs and offers them protection from larger fish and it allows the fry food and protection. Your shrimp will also feed on some of this stuff growing on the moss, that is what they are grooming when you see them go to town.
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Mine isn't a ball, it just grows where ever it wants. Actually they are swimming in and out of it and I can tell when they are after food. I can see the difference. Unlike most hobbyists, I have plenty of time daily to just sit and watch fish. They are a great help in calming seizure activity. When you spend hours a day watching them, you learn to identify clearly what they are doing and when something isn't right. So yes, my Endlers like to "play" in it although as they mature they no longer do so.

True Marimo Balls are considered a national treasure in Japan and as such have been prohibited from export, even though a few probably get through anyway. I took some pieces of plexiglass and put up two "walls" in my 10 gallon tank to keep the moss behind it. They were only half as high as the tank so fish and shrimp could still get in there. It helped to keep it in one spot until it anchored into the gravel and kept it out of the filter intake.
 
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