Moss Balls

[jameshunter63]

hi all!!
I have recently read somewhere that moss balls are a fantastic way of not only decorating your tank but also lie there pumping mass amnounts of nitrates and ammonia through them, therefor keeping your aquarium cleaner for longer. This doesnt mean that you cant clean it but does give some leway, like a sump, of pollutant build up. Is this true? or have i got a bad source?

 

[pauld]

that is wrong google it they are a form of algae but must admit look good .

 

[JoshuaA]

Yeh they're actually a ball of algae, I assume you're talking about "Marimo Moss". I haven't heard anything about them pumping mass amounts through them but I imagine they will consume a small bit in proportion to their size.

Just remember to turn them regularly or they will brown.

 

[haowin]

First ive heard about them being filters. But yea they're awesome. out of all the plants in my tank its my number 1. its simple and has a bold colour. nice foreground addition.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

My instructions on my moss balls said just make sure to rinse them when you do a tank clean (to keep them clean) and to rotate them as well.

Moss balls are pretty

 

[Curiosity101]

They super slow growers and therefore use very little ammonia + nitrates. I personally like them aswell... but only think of them as living decorations, they wont impact on your water stats at all.

If you do want plants to help absorb nitrates etc then you need fast growers such as elodea (ancharis in us), cabomba and water wisteria.

 

[RadaR]

First ive heard about them being filters.

Plants are basically filters
Agreed with above post. If you do want to improve water quality, then get some fast growing plants like hornwort, hygrophila etc

 

[jameshunter63]

thanks guys, i am thinking about getting some, however i have found out its not moss balls i should have said but java moss, and apparently can be used in sumps on mass!!
Also is it possible to take moss balls and attach to drift wood etc. or should i go with java moss or a different sort. Really want some greenery on that log!!

 

[SlyPolak]

A few months ago I attached some marimo ball to some rocks and I love the look, just take some 2lb fishing line anf tie it on. I dont think they attached themselves to the rocks but you can't really see the line anyway...............

 

[jameshunter63]

aww wow, that is a great effect!! i will definatly be doing that! i want the gap bettween my logs to look less visible and as though its a single peice of driftwood. great advice and sunday i will be having a fiddle around with it.