Marimo moss balls

[chemistryman]

Greetings


I'm thinking of adding these to my new 10 gallon aquarium once the 30 day fish-less nitrogen cycle is completed and before the introduction of a single male Betta. I'm curious to know the phosphate levels any members are seeing with the balls present. I know that plants consume phosphate. Is there such a thing as too high of a level? I would think that doing small, scheduled water changes would keep the phosphates manageable. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Autumnsky]

Hello,
Your post was lost in the admin and announcement forum, I hope you are doing well with your new Betta. The article link in my signature has good info for new fish keepers.

I have kept the moss balls in many tanks, but unfortunately haven't tested for Phosphates.

[SteffeyJ]

I've had many, many moss balls...
But never tested for phosphate...
All of my fish, snails & shrimp love them though!!
Between my 6 tanks, I have about 9 or 10.
Plus have one (my cat tore up when I had it "vacationing" in a small cold water jar) I took the pieces and glued them onto cholla wood and it is doing great!!!
Bright green and the shrimp especially love it!!
Good luck!! I love my moss balls.
Was my first aquatic "plant" lol. They're EASY! and seem to thrive in all of my tanks and even under different conditions!!
Hope you enjoy yours!!

[ADsnail]

Same here on the phosphates. I have a Betta in a 10g also, and a big moss ball has been part of the landscape from the beginning. The benefits: they suck up nitrates,provide some oxygen, help prevent excessive algae growth, are snail-proof and many residents (including shrimp) love them. They are very hardy.

When you do your weekly water changes scoop it out and gently squeeze out the water over a sink. It has absorbed some of what needs to be cleaned out and is now ready to absorb some more. When you submerge it back in the tank give it a couple of gentle squeezes so it absorbs water and sinks to the bottom.

Some Bettas like to roll them around with their noses for play. Others (like mine) ignore it.