Marimo Balls

[Rlon35]

I have some driftwood pieces near the centerpiece of my tank, covered in this algae. Well, since it got mixed in with my other tank contents, the moss is sandy, not deep green like it used to be, and it may even be dying out on the edges. I can't just squeeze them out like I would if they were just balls. Would you recommend pushing water against them, when refilling, or siphoning/sucking water off them to get rid of all of the sand, when I take the water out (or both?)??? The Trumpet Snails are in there loving it, but I really need that deep green to come back, especially since I am using riccia and hairgrass this time. Any suggestions?