Moss Ball... Melting?

[Phaedra]

So it's been pretty hot here lately, and despite the fact that we recently invested in a air conditioner, my 10g tank is still getting up to and occasionally over 80 degrees. Since summer really hit, I've noticed my only plant, a Moss Ball, has been appearing to "melt" for lack of a better term.
The poor thing doesn't look very happy and I don't know if there's anything I can do to cool the tank any more. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to liven the little thing up?

 

[Themuleous]

I have seen moss balls die in shops before, I guess no plants in 100% indestructible! I guess it could be the heat in your tank, so I would think keeping it down is your best chance.SamI have seen moss balls die in shops before, I guess no plants in 100% indestructible! I guess it could be the heat in your tank, so I would think keeping it down is your best chance.Sam

 

[DevUK]

Do you rotate the moss ball at all? How long have you had it? The reason I ask is because naturally, they are only balls because they are moved about by water currents I believe. I was told when I fist bought my marimo balls that I should rotate them every now and then to keep their spherical shape. If not, they would flatten out. This might be your problem?

 

[Phaedra]

Hmm... I don't rotate it very often but usually about once a week I give it a good nudge while I'm doing a water change. I didn't consider the fact that it might be because I'm not rotating it enough. It's certainly not flattening out though. It looks like the very tips of it are sort of slimy-looking. I have had some algae problems lately, but it doesn't look like that's it.

 

[DevUK]

Hmm... I don't rotate it very often but usually about once a week I give it a good nudge while I'm doing a water change. I didn't consider the fact that it might be because I'm not rotating it enough. It's certainly not flattening out though. It looks like the very tips of it are sort of slimy-looking. I have had some algae problems lately, but it doesn't look like that's it.

Ah, if you move them about then I don't think they're just flattening out unfortunately I haven't moved mine for a month or so and they are only just loosing their shape.

Odd that you've had algae problems. Have you treated the water at all for algae? If so, this might be your problem. Even though they're called "moss" balls, they are actually made of algae! Thankfully its a "nice" type of algae that is actually supposed to hinder other, nasty algae growth (I think it releases chemicals or something).

Any idea what sort of algae it was? Does it look like algae is growing on it, or that the moss ball is melting?

 

[Phaedra]

I'd say it looks more like it's melting, rather than being covered by algae. It's sort of bluish-green looking, and I'm having a bout with hair algae at the 'mo.
I haven't treated the tank for algae, my usual procedure is just a thorough cleaning.

 

[ICEEGRL]

Do you rinse them in the old water when you do your changes?
It could have too much debris... (need cleaning)

 

[Phaedra]

No, I don't regularly rinse it, although I did the last time. Gave it a good squeezing out and rolled it between my hands. I'll have to start rinsing it regularly and see if that does the trick. Thanks everyone!

 

[DevUK]

I've just been cleaning out a neglected 7gallon tank which I planted up about 2 months ago and then left alone (don't worry, no life other than snails and plants in it). I had a small moss ball in there which has not been moved for most of that time and I notice the underside is sorta "melting" too. Its gone a murky darker green and has just started to die a bit. I've thrown it melted side up into another tank to see what happens with more light on it

 

[Phaedra]

Weird! I wonder if it's something specific to that type of moss...?

 

[fourthtimelucky]

Try popping it in the fridge for a couple of days. Seriously. Their natural habitat is the bottom of lakes, and I have heard that occasional spells in cold and dark conditions encourages new growth. Might revive them.

You should definitely squeeze them out and roll them around a bit when you do water changes if you want them to stay nice and round.

 

[Phaedra]

Really? I'll give that a shot then.