Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => New Fishkeepers => Topic started by: Gabriel on June 09, 2016, 04:24:32 PM

Title: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: Gabriel on June 09, 2016, 04:24:32 PM

Not sure of the actual name, but it is basically a floating moss ball.

It has grown out quite a bit in the past couple months since I got it for my smaller tank. I was wondering if there is a way to trim this down without harming it? Or is there something else I am supposed to do?


(http://i.imgur.com/fOqqmOK.jpg)

Title: Re: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: Matt on June 09, 2016, 08:26:28 PM

Hi Gabriel.  I'm about to be the bearer of bad news I'm afraid... That's not like any moss ball I've ever seen - the middle of it looks quite dead to be honest, it looks like java moss is growing from it though - I wonder if you might have been sold something wrapped in java moss.  If it is java moss, it is perfectly safe to trim it back quite harshly if you like and it should grow back no problem - alternatively you make wish to try 're-wrapping' it around the centre bit with some cotton thread to hold it in place - make sure the centre is not dead and 'rotting' first though as this will affect you water quality.  Fyi java mass always grows upwards towards the light so it will likely grow back to its current state.  If you Google Marino moss ball you will find images of a true moss ball.

Title: Re: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: fcmf on June 09, 2016, 09:05:25 PM

Quote from: Matt on June 09, 2016, 08:26:28 PM

If you Google Marino moss ball you will find images of a true moss ball.

In double-checking the spelling of 'Marimo moss ball' [sorry ::)], I just happened to notice this image pop up http://www.pro-shrimp.co.uk/live-plant-decoration-to-order/1162-dennerle-floating-biosphere-ball-with-java-moss-4001615009194.html?gclid=CLz52Kvem80CFbQV0wodx4sIcw - it looks exactly like your pic and as Matt has described ie a ball of some sort actually covered in java moss, not a moss ball as such.

Title: Re: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: Matt on June 09, 2016, 09:32:13 PM

Damn autocorrect  >:(

Thanks fcmf that's a good find

Title: Re: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: Sue on June 09, 2016, 09:35:20 PM

From fcmf's link, here's the answer to Gabriel's question

Quote

The Balls can be cut back at any time to retain their compact and attractive shape

Title: Re: Help with Floating Moss Ball
Post by: Gabriel on August 04, 2016, 10:42:53 PM

I want to thank you guys for your help, I did end up trimming the ball pretty decently and it is still thriving quite happily right now.