Moss balls, really?

[lpn4]

Am I the only one that did not know moss balls are just moss around a golf ball? Boy do I feel dumb. Are all "moss balls" like that? I saw 2 different kinds at my lfs, flame moss and marimo moss. The flame moss was brown and disintegrated enough for me to see the inner portion, was a golf ball. I know this post tells you how much of a newbie I am, however, I had to share this new revelation I have uncovered!!

 

[absolutangel04]

True marimo are moss balls are not just moss rolled around a ball. They are actual organisms (somebody will correct me if I am wrong, but I think they technically a type of algae rather than moss). But, there are also java moss balls and those are just moss rolled around solid center.

 

[jetajockey]

Marimo moss balls are cladophora algae, and in nature it can grow into the ball shape because of wave action and rolling back and forth on the bottom.

I've heard a little about other mosses being wrapped around a ball, but it's not very common. Not sure what it's about, but sounds gimmicky and an attempt to make something similar to a real moss ball at a fraction of the price.

 

[absolutangel04]

Marimo moss balls are cladophora algae, and in nature it can grow into the ball shape because of wave action and rolling back and forth on the bottom.

I've heard a little about other mosses being wrapped around a ball, but it's not very common. Not sure what it's about, but sounds gimmicky and an attempt to make something similar to a real moss ball at a fraction of the price.

Yeah, PetCo sells java moss balls that are java moss wrapped around foam. They sell them for half the price of the marimos. I have only ever seen the fake moss balls at chains personally.

 

[lilbenchy9192]

id have to agree with jetajockey..../\ the moss ball i got is definatley all squishy right the way through but have seen them with marbles etc inside. as above probably quicker and cheaper to grow them like that

 

[mfdrookie516]

I've always wondered why they call the marimo algae balls 'moss balls'. IMO, a moss ball is a ball of moss... much like what you all are saying petco sells.

 

[jetajockey]

I've always wondered why they call the marimo algae balls 'moss balls'. IMO, a moss ball is a ball of moss... much like what you all are saying petco sells.

Because "moss" sounds better than "algae" I think. They also fail to mention that the clado algae can spread onto other objects in the tank and eventually cover several surfaces.