Marimo Moss Ball Problems

[Magma4life]

So one of my two marimo moss balls has slowly been ripping apart over the last couple of months and now it's barely holding together. I can't figure out what's wrong with it and how to help it grow back together. I rinse it in cold water, squeeze it, and roll it between my palms when I change the water in my 6.5 gal tank. Lately I've been changing the water every three days and using aq salt to try to help my betta which unfortunately has popeye. Any help is appreciated on behalf of my betta. He loves those moss balls! Thanks in advance.

 

[Autumnsky]

Don't squeeze. I lost one the size bigger than a base ball and smaller then a softball because everyone says squeeze.

It won't likely grow back. You can put it over a stone or wood like a wig and grow it as a unique piece.

 

[Magma4life]

Oops. Well, now I know for the future. Thanks for your help!

 

[Autumnsky]

Yeah, that was the advice.... for a long time.

Cleaning thoughts...
You can shoot water at it to get the dust off with a turkey baster,
or roll around in some fresh treated water,
swish around in a loosely held hand to gently or gingerly rinse if needed.

I prefer in treated water or the top of pwc water in a bucket. That way you do not kill and BB or aufwuchs living in it.