![\"Betta](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Betta-Fish-in-Freshwater-Fish-Tank-Setup-With-Tree-Moss-Balls.jpg\")
The first thing that you need to know about moss balls is that they aren\u2019t really a moss at all. They are a species of wild algae that is native to Japan and some parts of Europe.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at some of the main benefits of adding moss balls to your tank.<\/p>\n
14 Benefits of Marimo in Your Fish Tank<\/h2>\n![\"Pleco](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Pleco-Tasitng-Moss-Ball-In-Freshwater-Fish-Tank.jpg\")
Picture: Pleco Tasting Moss Ball In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEvery part of your fish tank set up can be evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis. Not having a fish tank at all would require zero effort and so it would cost you nothing.<\/p>\n
But it would also mean that you wouldn\u2019t get the benefits of having something interesting, beautiful, relaxing, and fun in your space. Filters deliver considerable benefits by maintaining water quality, but they require investments in the form of power to run them and work to maintain them.<\/p>\n
One of the best things about moss balls is that they are light on costs and heavy on benefits.<\/p>\n
#1 \u2013 Moss Ball – Absorb Nitrates<\/h3>\n
Fish waste in your tank leads to the accumulation of nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and phosphates. Moss balls, like all living plants in your aquarium, help to maintain healthy water quality by absorbing those potentially harmful compounds.<\/p>\n
While a single moss ball won\u2019t be enough to replace a filter in a tank that is larger than a few gallons, it will make a beneficial contribution to the overall effort.<\/p>\n
#2 \u2013 Moss Ball – Oxygenate Water in Tank<\/h3>\n
Like all plants, moss balls use photosynthesis to survive. That means that they absorb CO2 and release oxygen.<\/p>\n
You might even see your marimo floating in the tank as built-up levels of oxygen dissipate into the water. Maintaining healthy oxygen levels in your aquariums water is important to the health of your fish and other creatures. Every little bit helps, and moss balls add to the total.<\/p>\n
#3 \u2013 Moss Ball – Prevents Excess Algae Growth<\/h3>\n
Using algae to prevent algae is the definition of fighting fire with fire, right?<\/p>\n
Because marimo consumes the nutrients that other, less desirable forms of algae would need in order to thrive in your tank\u2014having marimo goes a long way toward eliminating unwanted algae.<\/p>\n
Just as the size of your tank will determine the impact that each moss ball has on the level of nitrates and amount of oxygen, so to will it determine the impact on controlling unwanted algae.<\/p>\n
#4 \u2013 Moss Ball – Harbor Beneficial Bacteria<\/h3>\n
Maintaining a healthy tank is all about creating the right balance between bio-load and filtering.<\/p>\n
We use filters and water changes to combat the build-up of nitrogen from fish waste and other sources.<\/p>\n
One of the most important weapons in the fight against tank water toxicity are the colonies of healthy bacteria that grow in our tanks.<\/p>\n
Moss balls provide a surface to grow on and beneficial seeding material.<\/p>\n
#5 \u2013 Moss Ball – Low Maintenance<\/h3>\n
If you have a tank with fish in it, you have everything that you need to keep a moss ball happy and healthy. They feed off the waste from the fish in your tank, and they don\u2019t need much light to do well.<\/p>\n
They prefer shade, but they tolerate a wide range of light, temperature, and pH levels. They don\u2019t need to be anchored to the substrate, so you just have to toss them in, and they\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n
Since Cladophora absorbs so much from your tank\u2019s water, they tend to bite off more than they can chew. That means that nasty stuff will leach out unless you \u2018re-set\u2019 them periodically.<\/p>\n
All it takes to do so is give the moss ball a squeeze over a sink or bucket during each routine partial water change.<\/p>\n
Squeezing the water out of the moss ball means that it will float when you put it back in the tank. This isn\u2019t harmful and only lasts until the moss ball absorbs enough water to make it sink.<\/p>\n
You can accelerate the process by giving the moss ball another squeeze once it is back in the water in the tank.<\/p>\n
The only other thing that it takes to maintain a marimo is keeping an eye on it to make sure it gets enough light on all of its surfaces. If you are moving the ball to perform cleaning, then you\u2019ll be moving it as much as it needs.<\/p>\n
But if you start to notice browning or yellowing in the areas that the ball is resting on, just give it a roll to expose them to the light.<\/p>\n
#6 \u2013 Moss Ball – Adapts to High pH<\/h3>\n
There aren\u2019t many aquarium plants that can handle water that is high in pH, but a moss ball will be perfectly happy in water that is in the mid- to high-8 range on the pH scale.<\/p>\n
#7 \u2013 Moss Ball Makes Happy Critters<\/h3>\n![\"Crayfish](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Crayfish-on-Moss-Ball-in-Freshwater-Fish-Tank.jpg\")
Picture: Crayfish on Moss Ball in Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAdding a moss ball to your aquarium adds another element to the diversity of the environment.<\/p>\n
There are certain species, such as shrimp and frogs, who love foraging for food in moss balls or using them as a hangout. Bettas and goldfish have been known to roll the balls around the bottom of tanks or \u2018play\u2019 with them when they float.<\/p>\n
A marimo can be many things to many critters all at once.<\/p>\n
#8 \u2013 Snail-Proof<\/h3>\n
If snails<\/a> are part of your strategy for combatting algae<\/a> in your tank or you\u2019ve had some slip in unintentionally when you introduce something new to your tank\u2014you know how tough they can be on living plants and what a mess that can make from dead organic matter.<\/p>\n
#9 \u2013 No Dead Matter with Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nMost plants grow new leaves and shed old ones as part of their life cycle. Marimo does not.<\/p>\n
They grow slowly, and they don\u2019t reproduce on their own. You can trim them or split them if you wish, but that isn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n
What this means is that you\u2019ll never have to worry about unsightly debris or elevated water toxicity due to your moss ball doing its thing.<\/p>\n
#10 \u2013 Moss Balls are Salt Tolerant<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019ve ever had to use freshwater aquarium salt to treat injuries, illnesses, or an outbreak of parasites in your aquarium\u2014you know how harmful it can be to aquatic plant life.<\/p>\n
Salt can also be an important tool in reducing nitrate levels in your tank. If you have moss balls in your aquarium, you won\u2019t have to worry about what the salt will do to them.<\/p>\n
#11 \u2013 No Stowaways<\/h3>\nIf you\u2019ve had negative experiences with other living plants in your aquarium, one of the possible reasons for that was the accidental introduction of snails or parasites that rode in on the backs of the plants.<\/p>\n
Moss balls are sold in individual cups, so there is a much lower chance of a hitchhiker tagging along for the ride. Check these options on Amazon – 6 pcs of Moss Ball selection\u00a0<\/a> or check your near by Pet Store.<\/p>\n
#12 \u2013 No Anchoring Required<\/h3>\nUnlike other aquatic plants, you won\u2019t need to have a particular type of substrate in your tank or do any work to anchor them. While that isn\u2019t necessary to have a happy and healthy marimo in your aquarium, they are versatile enough to allow you that option if you choose to do so.<\/p>\n
Since the algae grow as a mat as well as it does in the form of a ball, you can split the ball, lay it flat, and anchor it to decorate your tank.<\/p>\n
#13 \u2013 A Very Hardy Addition<\/h3>\nIt is \u201calmost\u201d impossible to kill a marimo without intentionally trying to do so. Untreated tap water, saltwater, and water without nutrients will all do a moss ball in, but short of that, they are going to survive.<\/p>\n
\n- If you notice white specks on your marimo, it is suffering from over-exposure to light\u2014easy enough to fix.<\/li>\n
- If you notice brown patches or your moss ball floats and doesn\u2019t resettle then it is suffering from a lack of light. Keep an eye out for these issues and chances are your marimo will outlive you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
#14 \u2013 Aesthetics of Moss Ball<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ve talked a good deal about how much good a moss ball can do for your fish tank. What we haven\u2019t mentioned yet is the one thing that should go without saying but cannot.<\/p>\n
They just look cool. Adding one or more to your tank will add vibrant life to your aquarium, and you and your fish will enjoy it more.<\/p>\n
How Long Doe Moss Balls Last?<\/h2>\n![\"Hidden](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Hidden-Betta-Fish-near-Moss-Balls-In-Freshwater-Fish-Tank.jpg\")
Picture: Hidden Betta Fish near Moss Balls In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are slow-growing and long-lasting. They don\u2019t reproduce, but they can be split if you want to turn one large one into two smalls ones. There are very few things that you can do to kill them unintentionally.<\/p>\n
So, under almost any circumstance, you can expect them to live a long and happy life. They have been known to live for more than 100 years.<\/p>\n
Are There Any Downsides to Moss Balls?<\/h3>\n![\"Amano](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Amano-Shrimp-On-Mass-Ball-In-Freshwater-Fish-Tank.jpg\")
Picture: Amano Shrimp On Mass Ball In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere really aren\u2019t any negatives that you need to worry about if you\u2019re thinking about getting a moss ball \u2013 or more than one \u2013 for your aquarium. There are, however, a few limitations that you need to be aware of while you\u2019re thinking it over.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest downsides to marimo is that they have a limited effect on your tank\u2019s water quality. There is only so much than each individual moss ball can do, and your tank would look a little weird if it were half-full of moss balls. So, they aren\u2019t an alternative to a filter system in a large tank, just a useful addition.<\/p>\n
Another downside of moss balls is that, unlike most other aquarium plants, they don\u2019t reproduce. They are slow to grow too. So, if you want more moss balls, you\u2019ll have to buy more.<\/p>\n
A final downside worth mentioning is that some species, like goldfish, axolotls, and turtles, will either feed on or intentionally destroy your marimo. They are way too expensive to use as goldfish food, so you might need to reconsider your plans if the species you keep enjoy your moss balls too much.<\/p>\n
What Are the Care Tips for Moss Balls?<\/h3>\n![\"2](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/2-Moss-Balls-On-The-Tray-Freshwater-Fish-Tank.jpg\")
Picture: 2 Moss Balls On The Tray – Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMoss balls are an extremely low maintenance aquarium plant. Even so, there are some things that you need to know to keep them happy and healthy:<\/p>\n
\n- They prefer cooler water – 85\u00b0F probably won\u2019t kill a marimo, but they\u2019ll be a lot happier at 60\u00b0F.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep them out of direct sunlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo gets too large \u2013 Divide and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo starts to come apart \u2013 open it, remove any dead matter and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reposition your marimo occasionally to make sure the whole thing receives light<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Squeeze the marimo to wring out contaminants during routine partial water changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you follow these simple guidelines, your moss ball is going to be just fine in almost any freshwater fish tank. They can even do well in brackish water.<\/p>\n
Just like any other living thing, you\u2019ll have to keep an eye on your moss ball for signs that it isn\u2019t doing well. But if you use common sense and do what you need to do to keep your aquarium suitable for fish and other critters, you\u2019re going to see happy and healthy marimo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still reading at this point, you have probably gotten the impression that we are pretty big fans of what moss balls bring to a fish tank.<\/p>\n
I think that if you give them a try in your own aquarium, you will quickly come to agree with me.<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the benefits they provide and the versatility that they offer. Get one for your tank and see how your fish and animals feel about the new d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n
Moss Ball Conclusion<\/h3>\n![\"Mass](\"https:\/\/fishkeepup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mass-Ball-On-Gravel-In-Freshwater-Fish-Tank-and-Two-Angel-Fish.jpg\")
Picture: Mass Ball On Gravel In Freshwater Fish Tank and Two Angel Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been domesticated so that they can be available to those of us who keep aquariums.<\/p>\n
Having one as part of your tank\u2019s environment gives you something interesting to talk about with visitors and guests. It also brings vibrant green life to the environment\u2014which is something that both you and your fish will enjoy.<\/p>\n
On top of that, moss balls do their fair share of the work that it takes to keep your tank\u2019s water quality high.<\/p>\n
For all of these reasons, we would recommend giving marimo a shot at being a part of your aquarium. But at the end of the day, all of the good things that moss balls do are just features.<\/p>\n
The real benefit is the cool factor that they introduce with their unique looks.<\/p>\n
Photo Courtesy: reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Every part of your fish tank set up can be evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis. Not having a fish tank at all would require zero effort and so it would cost you nothing.<\/p>\n
But it would also mean that you wouldn\u2019t get the benefits of having something interesting, beautiful, relaxing, and fun in your space. Filters deliver considerable benefits by maintaining water quality, but they require investments in the form of power to run them and work to maintain them.<\/p>\n
One of the best things about moss balls is that they are light on costs and heavy on benefits.<\/p>\n
#1 \u2013 Moss Ball – Absorb Nitrates<\/h3>\n
Fish waste in your tank leads to the accumulation of nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and phosphates. Moss balls, like all living plants in your aquarium, help to maintain healthy water quality by absorbing those potentially harmful compounds.<\/p>\n
While a single moss ball won\u2019t be enough to replace a filter in a tank that is larger than a few gallons, it will make a beneficial contribution to the overall effort.<\/p>\n
#2 \u2013 Moss Ball – Oxygenate Water in Tank<\/h3>\n
Like all plants, moss balls use photosynthesis to survive. That means that they absorb CO2 and release oxygen.<\/p>\n
You might even see your marimo floating in the tank as built-up levels of oxygen dissipate into the water. Maintaining healthy oxygen levels in your aquariums water is important to the health of your fish and other creatures. Every little bit helps, and moss balls add to the total.<\/p>\n
#3 \u2013 Moss Ball – Prevents Excess Algae Growth<\/h3>\n
Using algae to prevent algae is the definition of fighting fire with fire, right?<\/p>\n
Because marimo consumes the nutrients that other, less desirable forms of algae would need in order to thrive in your tank\u2014having marimo goes a long way toward eliminating unwanted algae.<\/p>\n
Just as the size of your tank will determine the impact that each moss ball has on the level of nitrates and amount of oxygen, so to will it determine the impact on controlling unwanted algae.<\/p>\n
#4 \u2013 Moss Ball – Harbor Beneficial Bacteria<\/h3>\n
Maintaining a healthy tank is all about creating the right balance between bio-load and filtering.<\/p>\n
We use filters and water changes to combat the build-up of nitrogen from fish waste and other sources.<\/p>\n
One of the most important weapons in the fight against tank water toxicity are the colonies of healthy bacteria that grow in our tanks.<\/p>\n
Moss balls provide a surface to grow on and beneficial seeding material.<\/p>\n
#5 \u2013 Moss Ball – Low Maintenance<\/h3>\n
If you have a tank with fish in it, you have everything that you need to keep a moss ball happy and healthy. They feed off the waste from the fish in your tank, and they don\u2019t need much light to do well.<\/p>\n
They prefer shade, but they tolerate a wide range of light, temperature, and pH levels. They don\u2019t need to be anchored to the substrate, so you just have to toss them in, and they\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n
Since Cladophora absorbs so much from your tank\u2019s water, they tend to bite off more than they can chew. That means that nasty stuff will leach out unless you \u2018re-set\u2019 them periodically.<\/p>\n
All it takes to do so is give the moss ball a squeeze over a sink or bucket during each routine partial water change.<\/p>\n
Squeezing the water out of the moss ball means that it will float when you put it back in the tank. This isn\u2019t harmful and only lasts until the moss ball absorbs enough water to make it sink.<\/p>\n
You can accelerate the process by giving the moss ball another squeeze once it is back in the water in the tank.<\/p>\n
The only other thing that it takes to maintain a marimo is keeping an eye on it to make sure it gets enough light on all of its surfaces. If you are moving the ball to perform cleaning, then you\u2019ll be moving it as much as it needs.<\/p>\n
But if you start to notice browning or yellowing in the areas that the ball is resting on, just give it a roll to expose them to the light.<\/p>\n
#6 \u2013 Moss Ball – Adapts to High pH<\/h3>\n
There aren\u2019t many aquarium plants that can handle water that is high in pH, but a moss ball will be perfectly happy in water that is in the mid- to high-8 range on the pH scale.<\/p>\n
#7 \u2013 Moss Ball Makes Happy Critters<\/h3>\nPicture: Crayfish on Moss Ball in Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAdding a moss ball to your aquarium adds another element to the diversity of the environment.<\/p>\n
There are certain species, such as shrimp and frogs, who love foraging for food in moss balls or using them as a hangout. Bettas and goldfish have been known to roll the balls around the bottom of tanks or \u2018play\u2019 with them when they float.<\/p>\n
A marimo can be many things to many critters all at once.<\/p>\n
#8 \u2013 Snail-Proof<\/h3>\n
If snails<\/a> are part of your strategy for combatting algae<\/a> in your tank or you\u2019ve had some slip in unintentionally when you introduce something new to your tank\u2014you know how tough they can be on living plants and what a mess that can make from dead organic matter.<\/p>\n
Adding a moss ball to your aquarium adds another element to the diversity of the environment.<\/p>\n
There are certain species, such as shrimp and frogs, who love foraging for food in moss balls or using them as a hangout. Bettas and goldfish have been known to roll the balls around the bottom of tanks or \u2018play\u2019 with them when they float.<\/p>\n
A marimo can be many things to many critters all at once.<\/p>\n
#8 \u2013 Snail-Proof<\/h3>\n
If snails<\/a> are part of your strategy for combatting algae<\/a> in your tank or you\u2019ve had some slip in unintentionally when you introduce something new to your tank\u2014you know how tough they can be on living plants and what a mess that can make from dead organic matter.<\/p>\n
#9 \u2013 No Dead Matter with Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nMost plants grow new leaves and shed old ones as part of their life cycle. Marimo does not.<\/p>\n
They grow slowly, and they don\u2019t reproduce on their own. You can trim them or split them if you wish, but that isn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n
What this means is that you\u2019ll never have to worry about unsightly debris or elevated water toxicity due to your moss ball doing its thing.<\/p>\n
#10 \u2013 Moss Balls are Salt Tolerant<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019ve ever had to use freshwater aquarium salt to treat injuries, illnesses, or an outbreak of parasites in your aquarium\u2014you know how harmful it can be to aquatic plant life.<\/p>\n
Salt can also be an important tool in reducing nitrate levels in your tank. If you have moss balls in your aquarium, you won\u2019t have to worry about what the salt will do to them.<\/p>\n
#11 \u2013 No Stowaways<\/h3>\nIf you\u2019ve had negative experiences with other living plants in your aquarium, one of the possible reasons for that was the accidental introduction of snails or parasites that rode in on the backs of the plants.<\/p>\n
Moss balls are sold in individual cups, so there is a much lower chance of a hitchhiker tagging along for the ride. Check these options on Amazon – 6 pcs of Moss Ball selection\u00a0<\/a> or check your near by Pet Store.<\/p>\n
#12 \u2013 No Anchoring Required<\/h3>\nUnlike other aquatic plants, you won\u2019t need to have a particular type of substrate in your tank or do any work to anchor them. While that isn\u2019t necessary to have a happy and healthy marimo in your aquarium, they are versatile enough to allow you that option if you choose to do so.<\/p>\n
Since the algae grow as a mat as well as it does in the form of a ball, you can split the ball, lay it flat, and anchor it to decorate your tank.<\/p>\n
#13 \u2013 A Very Hardy Addition<\/h3>\nIt is \u201calmost\u201d impossible to kill a marimo without intentionally trying to do so. Untreated tap water, saltwater, and water without nutrients will all do a moss ball in, but short of that, they are going to survive.<\/p>\n
\n- If you notice white specks on your marimo, it is suffering from over-exposure to light\u2014easy enough to fix.<\/li>\n
- If you notice brown patches or your moss ball floats and doesn\u2019t resettle then it is suffering from a lack of light. Keep an eye out for these issues and chances are your marimo will outlive you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
#14 \u2013 Aesthetics of Moss Ball<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ve talked a good deal about how much good a moss ball can do for your fish tank. What we haven\u2019t mentioned yet is the one thing that should go without saying but cannot.<\/p>\n
They just look cool. Adding one or more to your tank will add vibrant life to your aquarium, and you and your fish will enjoy it more.<\/p>\n
How Long Doe Moss Balls Last?<\/h2>\nPicture: Hidden Betta Fish near Moss Balls In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are slow-growing and long-lasting. They don\u2019t reproduce, but they can be split if you want to turn one large one into two smalls ones. There are very few things that you can do to kill them unintentionally.<\/p>\n
So, under almost any circumstance, you can expect them to live a long and happy life. They have been known to live for more than 100 years.<\/p>\n
Are There Any Downsides to Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nPicture: Amano Shrimp On Mass Ball In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere really aren\u2019t any negatives that you need to worry about if you\u2019re thinking about getting a moss ball \u2013 or more than one \u2013 for your aquarium. There are, however, a few limitations that you need to be aware of while you\u2019re thinking it over.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest downsides to marimo is that they have a limited effect on your tank\u2019s water quality. There is only so much than each individual moss ball can do, and your tank would look a little weird if it were half-full of moss balls. So, they aren\u2019t an alternative to a filter system in a large tank, just a useful addition.<\/p>\n
Another downside of moss balls is that, unlike most other aquarium plants, they don\u2019t reproduce. They are slow to grow too. So, if you want more moss balls, you\u2019ll have to buy more.<\/p>\n
A final downside worth mentioning is that some species, like goldfish, axolotls, and turtles, will either feed on or intentionally destroy your marimo. They are way too expensive to use as goldfish food, so you might need to reconsider your plans if the species you keep enjoy your moss balls too much.<\/p>\n
What Are the Care Tips for Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nPicture: 2 Moss Balls On The Tray – Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMoss balls are an extremely low maintenance aquarium plant. Even so, there are some things that you need to know to keep them happy and healthy:<\/p>\n
\n- They prefer cooler water – 85\u00b0F probably won\u2019t kill a marimo, but they\u2019ll be a lot happier at 60\u00b0F.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep them out of direct sunlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo gets too large \u2013 Divide and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo starts to come apart \u2013 open it, remove any dead matter and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reposition your marimo occasionally to make sure the whole thing receives light<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Squeeze the marimo to wring out contaminants during routine partial water changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you follow these simple guidelines, your moss ball is going to be just fine in almost any freshwater fish tank. They can even do well in brackish water.<\/p>\n
Just like any other living thing, you\u2019ll have to keep an eye on your moss ball for signs that it isn\u2019t doing well. But if you use common sense and do what you need to do to keep your aquarium suitable for fish and other critters, you\u2019re going to see happy and healthy marimo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still reading at this point, you have probably gotten the impression that we are pretty big fans of what moss balls bring to a fish tank.<\/p>\n
I think that if you give them a try in your own aquarium, you will quickly come to agree with me.<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the benefits they provide and the versatility that they offer. Get one for your tank and see how your fish and animals feel about the new d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n
Moss Ball Conclusion<\/h3>\nPicture: Mass Ball On Gravel In Freshwater Fish Tank and Two Angel Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been domesticated so that they can be available to those of us who keep aquariums.<\/p>\n
Having one as part of your tank\u2019s environment gives you something interesting to talk about with visitors and guests. It also brings vibrant green life to the environment\u2014which is something that both you and your fish will enjoy.<\/p>\n
On top of that, moss balls do their fair share of the work that it takes to keep your tank\u2019s water quality high.<\/p>\n
For all of these reasons, we would recommend giving marimo a shot at being a part of your aquarium. But at the end of the day, all of the good things that moss balls do are just features.<\/p>\n
The real benefit is the cool factor that they introduce with their unique looks.<\/p>\n
Photo Courtesy: reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It is \u201calmost\u201d impossible to kill a marimo without intentionally trying to do so. Untreated tap water, saltwater, and water without nutrients will all do a moss ball in, but short of that, they are going to survive.<\/p>\n
- \n
- If you notice white specks on your marimo, it is suffering from over-exposure to light\u2014easy enough to fix.<\/li>\n
- If you notice brown patches or your moss ball floats and doesn\u2019t resettle then it is suffering from a lack of light. Keep an eye out for these issues and chances are your marimo will outlive you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
#14 \u2013 Aesthetics of Moss Ball<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ve talked a good deal about how much good a moss ball can do for your fish tank. What we haven\u2019t mentioned yet is the one thing that should go without saying but cannot.<\/p>\n
They just look cool. Adding one or more to your tank will add vibrant life to your aquarium, and you and your fish will enjoy it more.<\/p>\n
Marimo are slow-growing and long-lasting. They don\u2019t reproduce, but they can be split if you want to turn one large one into two smalls ones. There are very few things that you can do to kill them unintentionally.<\/p>\n
So, under almost any circumstance, you can expect them to live a long and happy life. They have been known to live for more than 100 years.<\/p>\n
Are There Any Downsides to Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nPicture: Amano Shrimp On Mass Ball In Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere really aren\u2019t any negatives that you need to worry about if you\u2019re thinking about getting a moss ball \u2013 or more than one \u2013 for your aquarium. There are, however, a few limitations that you need to be aware of while you\u2019re thinking it over.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest downsides to marimo is that they have a limited effect on your tank\u2019s water quality. There is only so much than each individual moss ball can do, and your tank would look a little weird if it were half-full of moss balls. So, they aren\u2019t an alternative to a filter system in a large tank, just a useful addition.<\/p>\n
Another downside of moss balls is that, unlike most other aquarium plants, they don\u2019t reproduce. They are slow to grow too. So, if you want more moss balls, you\u2019ll have to buy more.<\/p>\n
A final downside worth mentioning is that some species, like goldfish, axolotls, and turtles, will either feed on or intentionally destroy your marimo. They are way too expensive to use as goldfish food, so you might need to reconsider your plans if the species you keep enjoy your moss balls too much.<\/p>\n
What Are the Care Tips for Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nPicture: 2 Moss Balls On The Tray – Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMoss balls are an extremely low maintenance aquarium plant. Even so, there are some things that you need to know to keep them happy and healthy:<\/p>\n
\n- They prefer cooler water – 85\u00b0F probably won\u2019t kill a marimo, but they\u2019ll be a lot happier at 60\u00b0F.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep them out of direct sunlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo gets too large \u2013 Divide and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo starts to come apart \u2013 open it, remove any dead matter and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reposition your marimo occasionally to make sure the whole thing receives light<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Squeeze the marimo to wring out contaminants during routine partial water changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you follow these simple guidelines, your moss ball is going to be just fine in almost any freshwater fish tank. They can even do well in brackish water.<\/p>\n
Just like any other living thing, you\u2019ll have to keep an eye on your moss ball for signs that it isn\u2019t doing well. But if you use common sense and do what you need to do to keep your aquarium suitable for fish and other critters, you\u2019re going to see happy and healthy marimo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still reading at this point, you have probably gotten the impression that we are pretty big fans of what moss balls bring to a fish tank.<\/p>\n
I think that if you give them a try in your own aquarium, you will quickly come to agree with me.<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the benefits they provide and the versatility that they offer. Get one for your tank and see how your fish and animals feel about the new d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n
Moss Ball Conclusion<\/h3>\nPicture: Mass Ball On Gravel In Freshwater Fish Tank and Two Angel Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been domesticated so that they can be available to those of us who keep aquariums.<\/p>\n
Having one as part of your tank\u2019s environment gives you something interesting to talk about with visitors and guests. It also brings vibrant green life to the environment\u2014which is something that both you and your fish will enjoy.<\/p>\n
On top of that, moss balls do their fair share of the work that it takes to keep your tank\u2019s water quality high.<\/p>\n
For all of these reasons, we would recommend giving marimo a shot at being a part of your aquarium. But at the end of the day, all of the good things that moss balls do are just features.<\/p>\n
The real benefit is the cool factor that they introduce with their unique looks.<\/p>\n
Photo Courtesy: reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There really aren\u2019t any negatives that you need to worry about if you\u2019re thinking about getting a moss ball \u2013 or more than one \u2013 for your aquarium. There are, however, a few limitations that you need to be aware of while you\u2019re thinking it over.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest downsides to marimo is that they have a limited effect on your tank\u2019s water quality. There is only so much than each individual moss ball can do, and your tank would look a little weird if it were half-full of moss balls. So, they aren\u2019t an alternative to a filter system in a large tank, just a useful addition.<\/p>\n
Another downside of moss balls is that, unlike most other aquarium plants, they don\u2019t reproduce. They are slow to grow too. So, if you want more moss balls, you\u2019ll have to buy more.<\/p>\n
A final downside worth mentioning is that some species, like goldfish, axolotls, and turtles, will either feed on or intentionally destroy your marimo. They are way too expensive to use as goldfish food, so you might need to reconsider your plans if the species you keep enjoy your moss balls too much.<\/p>\n
What Are the Care Tips for Moss Balls?<\/h3>\nPicture: 2 Moss Balls On The Tray – Freshwater Fish Tank<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMoss balls are an extremely low maintenance aquarium plant. Even so, there are some things that you need to know to keep them happy and healthy:<\/p>\n
\n- They prefer cooler water – 85\u00b0F probably won\u2019t kill a marimo, but they\u2019ll be a lot happier at 60\u00b0F.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep them out of direct sunlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo gets too large \u2013 Divide and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo starts to come apart \u2013 open it, remove any dead matter and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reposition your marimo occasionally to make sure the whole thing receives light<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Squeeze the marimo to wring out contaminants during routine partial water changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you follow these simple guidelines, your moss ball is going to be just fine in almost any freshwater fish tank. They can even do well in brackish water.<\/p>\n
Just like any other living thing, you\u2019ll have to keep an eye on your moss ball for signs that it isn\u2019t doing well. But if you use common sense and do what you need to do to keep your aquarium suitable for fish and other critters, you\u2019re going to see happy and healthy marimo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still reading at this point, you have probably gotten the impression that we are pretty big fans of what moss balls bring to a fish tank.<\/p>\n
I think that if you give them a try in your own aquarium, you will quickly come to agree with me.<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the benefits they provide and the versatility that they offer. Get one for your tank and see how your fish and animals feel about the new d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n
Moss Ball Conclusion<\/h3>\nPicture: Mass Ball On Gravel In Freshwater Fish Tank and Two Angel Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarimo are a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been domesticated so that they can be available to those of us who keep aquariums.<\/p>\n
Having one as part of your tank\u2019s environment gives you something interesting to talk about with visitors and guests. It also brings vibrant green life to the environment\u2014which is something that both you and your fish will enjoy.<\/p>\n
On top of that, moss balls do their fair share of the work that it takes to keep your tank\u2019s water quality high.<\/p>\n
For all of these reasons, we would recommend giving marimo a shot at being a part of your aquarium. But at the end of the day, all of the good things that moss balls do are just features.<\/p>\n
The real benefit is the cool factor that they introduce with their unique looks.<\/p>\n
Photo Courtesy: reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Moss balls are an extremely low maintenance aquarium plant. Even so, there are some things that you need to know to keep them happy and healthy:<\/p>\n
- \n
- They prefer cooler water – 85\u00b0F probably won\u2019t kill a marimo, but they\u2019ll be a lot happier at 60\u00b0F.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Keep them out of direct sunlight<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo gets too large \u2013 Divide and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- If a marimo starts to come apart \u2013 open it, remove any dead matter and re-roll<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Reposition your marimo occasionally to make sure the whole thing receives light<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Squeeze the marimo to wring out contaminants during routine partial water changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you follow these simple guidelines, your moss ball is going to be just fine in almost any freshwater fish tank. They can even do well in brackish water.<\/p>\n
Just like any other living thing, you\u2019ll have to keep an eye on your moss ball for signs that it isn\u2019t doing well. But if you use common sense and do what you need to do to keep your aquarium suitable for fish and other critters, you\u2019re going to see happy and healthy marimo.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re still reading at this point, you have probably gotten the impression that we are pretty big fans of what moss balls bring to a fish tank.<\/p>\n
I think that if you give them a try in your own aquarium, you will quickly come to agree with me.<\/p>\n
Take advantage of the benefits they provide and the versatility that they offer. Get one for your tank and see how your fish and animals feel about the new d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n
Moss Ball Conclusion<\/h3>\n
Picture: Mass Ball On Gravel In Freshwater Fish Tank and Two Angel Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Marimo are a naturally occurring phenomenon that has been domesticated so that they can be available to those of us who keep aquariums.<\/p>\n
Having one as part of your tank\u2019s environment gives you something interesting to talk about with visitors and guests. It also brings vibrant green life to the environment\u2014which is something that both you and your fish will enjoy.<\/p>\n
On top of that, moss balls do their fair share of the work that it takes to keep your tank\u2019s water quality high.<\/p>\n
For all of these reasons, we would recommend giving marimo a shot at being a part of your aquarium. But at the end of the day, all of the good things that moss balls do are just features.<\/p>\n
The real benefit is the cool factor that they introduce with their unique looks.<\/p>\n
Photo Courtesy: reddit.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
