Moss Ball - Lots Of ?

[Freedom]

I wanted a moss ball ( or 3~) so went in search today.
 
First, I went in to PetsMart.  They sell "Marimo Moss Ball" in a cup, like the betta males.  Those are $7.99 each.  I bought one.  Looking online, seems this is an algae, and what I have is a good one.
 
Then I went to PetCo.  They had 'aquatic moss balls' sitting on the substrate of a tank, $4.99.  They also had "Marimo Moss Balls' for $9.99 and these float - you have to tie them to an anchor rock.  I bought the less expensive one.  I asked if, since they are one price per, should I get a larger one or a smaller one?  The sales person told me the larger ones are ready to open and will make a huge mess in the tank, so get a smaller one.  Well, I did get a smaller one, not because of what she said, but because there was one which had a really nice shape and looked good, and it just happened to be a smaller one.
 
Now I read online that the ones which float are most likely just java wrapped around a piece of cork!  Glad I did not get THAT!
 
I had no idea when I set out, that a 'moss ball' would be so full of intrigue.

 
 

 

[Ninjouzata]

Hate the prices on these honestly D: is probably why we don't have any!
 
I had totally forgotten they sell those fake ones, sorry for not warning you. Glad you got actual ones though!
 
Like have said before, you may want to turn them occasionally so they don't rot on the bottom.
You can squish them to get gunk out when doing maintenance if you like, they should return to their original shape.

 

[Freedom]

For anyone who remembers "The Trouble with Tribbles," you will be just as excited as I am to learn moss balls are also called Tribbles! 

 

[Blobfish]

For anyone who remembers "The Trouble with Tribbles," you will be just as excited as I am to learn moss balls are also called Tribbles! 

 
My favourite OS episode!  

 

[l_l_l]

HAhaha! I actually grow moss balls in my aquariums, I bought two very large for 5$ and split it up in many pieces, now I have about 10 of them, a bit smaller than the one I originally got

 

[Freedom]

HAhaha! I actually grow moss balls in my aquariums, I bought two very large for 5$ and split it up in many pieces, now I have about 10 of them, a bit smaller than the one I originally got

That is what I hope to do, so I don't need to buy any for the other tank.