Java moss and java moss balls

[Pleky plec]

What is the difference? Do the moss balls spread throughout the aquarium? Are they the same thing?

 

[Atxpunx]

Moss balls are a form of algae. Java moss is an actual moss. Moss balls will spread through out your tank if you break them apart but I don't think it's desired. Moss balls are a form of hair algae I believe. Java moss will spread out but it gets crazy.

 

[aqua_chem]

Java moss is often sold in golfball sized portions, so it may actually be a moss, but "Moss Balls", the fuzzy little balls you usually see labeled as such, are a species of cladophora algae and not actually a ball at all.