Moss balls

[Fishninja]

I was just wondering what the purpose of moss balls was

 

[BBradbury]

Hello Fish...

Well, moss balls are just moss, a type of aquarium plant. It's grown into a different shape that gives the tank a bit of a different look. The plant works like most others in the tank. It takes in nitrogens for food. The nitrogens are produced by the fish when they do their business in the tank water. The wastes dissolve and you have stuff like ammonia and nitrite. These forms of nitrogen are food for the plants. The fish feed the plants and the plants keep the water clean for the fish. A very efficient system!

B

 

[Fishninja]

That is really cool I think I might get one now

 

[Fishninja]

Thank u for the answer that helped a lot

 

[FishCr8zy]

That is really cool I think I might get one now

Yup. Moss balls are great plants for beginners and loves getting rid of nitrates. One of my favorite plants.

 

[bettaowner]

It's technically an algae species

 

[Fishninja]

Can moss balls grow bigger than there golf ball size at pet stores

 

[BBradbury]

Fish...

Moss can grow. It's a plant, but growth is slow. If you have a moss ball, you need to roll it or reposition it, so it stays relatively round. If not, you can leave it. It will grow into a flat plant and eventually spread out. I have one the size of a grapefruit and over time it's gotten a bit flat.

B

 

[Fishninja]

Lol ok that's pretty cool

 

[Aquamandan]

Moss balls are great at keeping your ammonia in check. You should get 1 for every 10 gallons of water.

 

[Fishninja]

Well then today I will get 2 for my 20 and try them out

 

[horsedogfish]

Since it's an algae species, will my cory eat it?

 

[bettaowner]

I don't think the Cory would pose a threat

 

[BBradbury]

Hello horse...

Corydoras are foragers. They'll spend all their time with their noses in the substrate. Your moss will be safe.

B

 

[FishCr8zy]

Fish...

Moss can grow. It's a plant, but growth is slow. If you have a moss ball, you need to roll it or reposition it, so it stays relatively round. If not, you can leave it. It will grow into a flat plant and eventually spread out. I have one the size of a grapefruit and over time it's gotten a bit flat.

B

What!!
One the size of a grapefruit! That's like an XXXXXXXL! How long did it take for it to grow that big? Can I see a pic of it?

 

[FishCr8zy]

Well then today I will get 2 for my 20 and try them out

Cool. Sometimes, bottom feeder fish or snails will turn the moss ball by themselves so you don't have to do it. But not always.

 

[Tetra1990]

If you have shrimp, they will feed off your moss ball. They will not completely eat it, just nibble on the micro organisms that live on/in it.

 

[FishCr8zy]

If you have shrimp, they will feed off your moss ball. They will not completely eat it, just nibble on the micro organisms that live on/in it.

+1. Shrimp love to do that. They just love chilling on moss balls and eating away.

 

[BBradbury]

Hello Fish...

The ball has been in a 38 gallon tank for years possibly. I don't really know. PM me if you like and I'll get a picture of it to you.

B

 

[bud29]

"Moss" Balls are actually a type of algae - they are extremely slow growers, however, so they really have no use in controlling ammonia or nitrates.