Moss Ball

[pat3612]

I was at the fish store todayI go every once in a while to look at fish since my tanks not ready lol anyway since I want to put some shrimp in my tank I bought a mossball I brought it home but its just a ball lol . Do I break it up and put it around or do I just leave it like it is on the bottom of the tank. Thanks, by the way my fs has fish in its plant tanks will this help my cycle.

 

[5teady_2012]

My moss ball i just put staright in as it is, but you can split them in to 2 or 3 if you like..

 

[Snooks1!]

What you bought is known as a 'moss ball' or 'Marimo ball'. It is not actually a type of moss, in reality it is a slow growing colony of algae (they grow under a cm a year-ish). The rounded shape comes from the currents and eddies at the bottoms of the lakebeds in which they grow. It is not bad for your tank, it's just a plant. It does not require much light at all to survive, and it can stand a wide range of temps. From cold water, to the highest tropical temps.

You can propagate it by ripping it apart; however, this usually leaves you with 2 or more sloppy looking balls rather than one good rounded one. Just leave it be and let it grow, they can 'live' for up to 30 years. Reaching a maximum size of around 10-12 inches.

 

[pat3612]

Thanks I only bought it because when my tank is done I want some shrimp

 

[Snooks1!]

Aye, they are a very cool 'plant'. Very easy to care for and keep alive. They are very trendy in Japan. They are supposed to bring about good luck and fortune. They are kept in ornate glass jars in direct sunlight to promote growth, which promotes better luck apparently.

 

[pat3612]

Oh cool if they are good luck pehaps my tank might cycle faster and I might need that fortune as Iam already thinking 50 gal lol

 

[Snooks1!]