moss balls

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Pufferpeep

AC Members
Aug 12, 2005
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hi everyone,:hi:

this seems like a great forum, so i decided to join! :thm:

So today i went to Aqautic wherehouse, and they didnt have java moss, just moss balls. I bought one, and the guy there told me that if you tie the moss ball to something, it will spread out and eventually cover it. I had also heard this was true ofrm a different website. My question is does it actually work(has anyone tried it) and does the moss "fur" get very long :confused:

Thanks in Advance,

Pufferpeep
 
Pufferpeep said:
hi everyone,:hi:

this seems like a great forum, so i decided to join! :thm:

So today i went to Aqautic wherehouse, and they didnt have java moss, just moss balls. I bought one, and the guy there told me that if you tie the moss ball to something, it will spread out and eventually cover it. I had also heard this was true ofrm a different website. My question is does it actually work(has anyone tried it) and does the moss "fur" get very long :confused:

Thanks in Advance,

Pufferpeep
Click to expand...

I think what you got was an algea ball, the usually sell them as "moss ball" and it is true the spread if you attach it to something. I did that on a "driftwood" ornament that I have.
 
I wrote a mini article awhile ago that may help you.

Also, yes, they can be used spread out against something. It's most common application seems to be doing this in nano tanks to make the algae create a foreground that requires little maintenance. It doesn't get very long (and if it did, scissors would easily remedy the situation).

Common Name: Marimo/Moss Balls
Scientific Name: Cladophora aegagropila
Light: Low to Very High
Co2: Not Essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Cladophora aegragrophila is not a plant, but rather an algae. As a result, this is perhaps one of the very few algae species which are desired in the aquarium. This algae tends to form itself in spherical shapes in select lakes; the round shape is primarily caused by constant moving by water currents that develop the ball on all sides. Among other places, these balls are found in Lake Akan in Japan, where they are a protected species due to their status as a National Treasure.

In the aquarium, these dense, dark green balls will survive in lower light conditions, without the presence of Co2, but will thrive in medium or higher light situations with Co2 and decent water column fertilization. Unlike other algaes, this will not spread throughout the aquarium and need not be feared. Even in good conditions, these algae balls are very slow growing, but higher light and nutrient rich conditions will of course hasten growth to a degree.

Due to the sponge-like nature of this algae, it is a magnet for debris. When the ball becomes unsightly or a cleaning is in order, simply remove the ball into a bucket of aquarium water and gently rinse it as one would rinse a filter cartridge. Then place the ball back into tank.

To ensure healthy growth, it is recommended to rotate the balls every so often to ensure that all sides are exposed to light and water current, that growth is evenly distributed, and that the round shape is maintained (the aquarium lacks the natural mechanisms that nature has use of to accomplish this task).

C. aegragrophila can be used in two manners. One is to leave the algae in spherical shape, the other is to try to flatten the ball out into a sheet, or smaller flat pieces, and place across the substrate, rocks, or wood. Leaving the ball flat is much easier and poses fewer problems regarding how to clean the debris that will inevitably collect.

To propagate, divide a large ball into several smaller balls. Growth is slow and it may take some time to develop the babies into adults. Larger specimens will become internally hollow (and will often float) and should be separated into smaller sections. The balls have the potential to become the size of a basketball – but these are undoubtedly quite old, especially if occurring in the wild where conditions are likely not to be optimal.

In the wild, these balls undergo a cycling of flotation where the balls will float up and then sink back down again, depending on the light and time of day. In the aquarium, when photosynthesis has caused pearling, or oxygen bubbles to form on the flora, the “plant” will be lifted up in the aquarium. When the lights turn off and photosynthesis slows down, the balls will sink again. This can be discouraged by weighing the Cladophora down with anchor weights, string, rocks, etc.


This “plant” is sensitive to very dim light, debris, and copper and other medications.

By the way, welcome to AC:)
 
Pufferpeep, whats the address of the site that you got your moss ball from?
Thanks.
 
Assuming it's the same thing, that fish place have them...

Here

(I don't work for them. and am not affiliated in any way, they are just in driving distance, and I remember seeing them there..)
 
JinxXx0085 said:
Pufferpeep, whats the address of the site that you got your moss ball from?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I actually got them from a fish store called aquatic wherehouse in encinitas, California. im not sure if this store has other locations.

Good luck :hi:

Pufferpeep
 
Cool! I think moss ball are nifty! I saw one at a LFS, they charges 8 bucks for one moss ball :thud: I'm still debating about getting one or not. I might go to another city and see if they have one for cheaper *grins*
 
Hey, gotta say, congradulations on having some Hairy Balls. :D darn, better not start that thread again. ;)
They are really neat, I have one in my plant tank about the size of a tennis ball. Its really cool and will prove hours of enjoyment.
jim
 
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