The Humble Moss Ball

Hi Folks,

Just thought I'd make a mention of the humble moss ball (Marimo). These are dark green spherical bundles of algae. Yes, algae. Not moss. To be precise, they are a filamentous microalgae known as Aegagropila linnaei (formerly Cladophora). They naturally live in cool lakes in Japan, Iceland and the Ukraine. They need calcium and a pH from 7 - 9. So, they are ideally suited to shrimp tanks. They need low light to photosynthesize. In their natural habitat, they apparently rise to the lake surface during the day and sink at night!

I like using them. Firstly, because, like plants, they absorb nutrients from the tank water. Secondly, they are undemanding. Pop them in your tank and just provide a little light. Also, shrimp love to graze on them. And, finally, they are attractive - a lovely, lush green.

If I can find a picture on my PC, I'll add one later. In the meantime, just search for Moss Ball images on the internet.

JPC

You can also open them up so they can be used to e.g. cover stones. I have mixed feeling about them as they can be a trigger for less wanted hair algae.  For some reason the hairgrass near mine seem to be most susceptible. I definately prefer them to moss though due to the lack of maintnenace they require. The deep colour is great too.

You should take them out and give them a squeeze every once in a while to remove any nasty stale water built up inside them.

Heres a photo of one...

Thanks!