Shelton RossMoss balls which are also referred to as Marimo moss balls have proven to be quite popular with most aquarists. The round and fuzzy shape of the moss balls makes the chances of their adoption in the fish tanks slightly higher. However, their usefulness does not end there. In addition to being an excellent aesthetic component of the aquarium, moss balls are also useful in the sense that they help to keep the water clear and provide extra oxygen to the aquatic life. In this article, we will discuss all the pertinent questions one might have concerning moss ball plants, their history, advantages, and care, as well as ways of fitting fish tanks with these unique plants.
What is a Moss Ball?
Moss balls which are scientifically called Aegagropila linnaei do not belong to moss. They are a kind of green algae that coalesces in the naturally occurring cushion spherical shape. They are found in freshwater lakes in places like Japan, Iceland and Northern Europe and can be seen in the nature moving about the submerged part of these lakes shaped like balls via the water motion. In aquariums, the balls of moss greens retain this spherical feature and make it more suitable for fish tank owners rather less intricate greens.
The usefulness of Moss Balls in aquarium fish
Some may argue that moss balls are not just lovely decorations in a fish tank. They provide a lot of protection and help in the fish tank and its even more towards the fish. Few of the beneficial reasons for adding moss balls in your fish tank are:
Biological Filtration
Moss balls can remove nitrate, phosphate and other harmful compounds. However, in its way of reducing nitrates which is toxic to the fishes in high levels. It also absorbs a certain amount of water and processes it into a more favorable state for fish. This therefore improves the clarity of the water in the aquarium and lowers the amount of water changes that are normally done.
Oxygen Production
Like other water plants, moss balls also change the form of carbon dioxide into oxygen. This is further enhanced at night since the oxygen utilization by the aquatic animals reduces to fish and other organisms thereby facilitating the need and availability of oxygen even sprawled in those regions.
Algae Control
Moss balls can also assist in inhibiting the parasitic or problematic blue-green algae in your fish tank. Since they are also an algae type, they utilize the same nutrients that other algae would seek to survive. By assay practice and exposing the moss balls in your aquarium, you can help prevent your fish tank from getting unwanted algae blooms.
Aesthetic Appeal
Moss balls make perfect ornamental decorations for your aquariums. Beautiful green color and a nice round shape enhance the usual rocks, substrate, and other tank décor items. A fish tank with moss balls also provides a peaceful beauty in the fish tank that complements the beauty of the aquatic space.
Low Maintenance
Moss balls are one of the easiest plants to maintain hence perfect even for people who are beginners or those who do not have time to look after other more complicated aquarium plants. All that is needed is to put them in a tank without worrying about any sort of extra light or fertilizers since they receive very little light and do not grow fast meaning they will not outgrow your tank.
Rainforest wonder: A look at fishkeeping
A number of fish such as betta fish, as well as shrimp such as the yamato shrimp, love playing with the marimo balls. Fish like to move and play with marimo balls in the aquarium while shrimp like to hide in them and also eat some i.e. whatever they contain including some micro algae which536 श्रीमामन्माणिः P इR गज्ञाना = Brahad Shanharaja f Y 5 Manmlize x2 Mudra karma many m6 of thumb they can eat. Thus, once again, marimo balls can be useful but at the same time interesting to the pets that occupy the aquarium.
How to Set Up an Aquae for Marimo Moss Balls
Setting up an aquarium with marimo moss balls is not a long and tedious issue. The following steps should be observed as it will allow you to achieve favorable conditions for maintenance of your fish and plants:
Step 1: Choose the Right Tank
The initial step is to determine what sized tank you will be buying for the fish and the marimo as well as the marimo. Any tank size is suitable for incorporating in marimo but a bigger tank also increases the diversity of the plants and fishes. Be careful with the density apply moss ball to Marin tank. Then look over the tank properly to see than it is properly washed. There are no harmful chemicals before you put the moss balls at it.
Step 2: Prepare the Water
Moss balls grow and develop fully in freshwater. They enjoy the water in its range 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 25°C) although conditions outside this range can be adjusted to. The pH levels of the water are between the ranges of 6.0 and 8.5, so it is safe for most fish and some aquarium plants. Use only aged water and ensure it is well cycled to prevent any ammonia or nitrites from rising too fast.
Step 3: Add Substrate and Décor
Moss balls are quite hardy and therefore don’t require any form of substrate to live. Nevertheless, a lot of aquarium owners usually grow sand, gravel or even planted substrates to help in the aesthetics of the tank. The substrate adds more surface space for the beneficial biota present in the water resulting in better quality water. You can also include driftwood and rocks or other central structures and accessories as well in order to bring a more natural and a more active look to your tank.
Step 4: Add Moss Balls
After the setup of your tank and the water is conditioned accordingly, kindly drop the moss balls to the aquarium. Due to the structure comprised of the inner core and the outer cover, it is quite normal for moss balls to remain very buoyant and floating about the top of the tank. In this case, though, they would need to be squeezed a little to squirt the moisture within. With time and actively swimming fish, the moss balls often end up all over the tank participating in the current active drift.
Step 5: Add Fish And Other Plants
After the moss balls have successfully been placed into the water for a couple of hours, fish and other submerged plants can be added to the aquarium. Many types of fishes such as gated tiger, goldfishes as well as shrimps used to make quite an entourage around the moss balls. They make fish exploring as well as resting much easy since the surface is soft and safe. You could also add other aspects such as Java fern or Anubias. Or other types of such plants that do not require bright lights for quick growth to have a green planted tank.
Moss Balls Care: Caring For Your Moss Balls
Although it is extremely simple to look after the moss balls, there are a few things that need to be done to ensure their health and well-being:
Ensure Frequent Change Of Water
Even though some models of moss balls help in improving the quality of water by absorbing the excess nitrates, it is important to change the water on a regular basis as it has to be done to maintain a clean and hygienic tank. Creating a routine that involves replacing between 25% and fifty percent of the water every single one to two weeks will create a conducive environment for fish and plants as well.
Rotate The Moss Balls Now And Then
Moss balls roll about in their natural surroundings and this helps to expose the growing plant to light on all the sides. In the aquarium setup mostly with little water current, you may have to flip the moss balls after every 2 or 3 weeks in order to encourage more favorable growth on the generally shielded or shaded side.
Avoid Ping The Tank To The Sunlight
The most favorable conditions for moss balls are low to moderate light. Do not expose your aquarium to direct sunshine as this will lead to too much light on the moss bile leading to moss balls with much algae or a brown appearance. But if it depends on the situation then put soft low wattage aquarium light.
Trim if Necessary
Even though a moss ball is a spherical ball of green algae that grows slowly, over time it may need some trimming if it has grown excessively. It is also possible to propagate a moss ball by cutting it in half as both the halves will further develop into smaller moss balls.
Prevent Fish Damage
While fish are fun to have with moss balls, any fish in particular goldfish can try to pick up or even mouth the moss balls harming the plant. Also in case of considerable damage occurring with the moss balls you may want to relocate them to another tank or put them behind aquarium cleaner décor.
Troubleshooting Common Moss Ball Issues
Though moss balls are a tough species yet they can have their problems from time to time in the aquarium. These are some of the common problems and how they can be dealt with:
Browning Moss Balls
If your moss balls start turning a shade of brown then it is usually for a reason i.e. either the level of light present is not high enough or the water quality is compromised. Such problems can be solved by shifting the moss balls to a brightly lit room or periodic water changes to enhance the condition of the moss balls.
Floating Moss Balls
Moss balls that float up to the surface of the water tank indicate that they have trapped air within them. To correct this, they can take out the moss ball water and apply slight pressure on the ball so as to help the air escape. As a result of the air released, the moss ballast will once more go underwater.
Moss Ball Disintegration
There are other times that I have come across a situation where a moss ball would seem to be falling apart. A variety of factors include poor water conditions, overly energetic fish, or even the age of the fish tank. If you see disintegration, troubleshoot the water parameters and collect the debris of the destroyed moss ball.
Conclusion
Moss ball plants are highly beneficial in any fresh water aquarium since it is good for landscape admiration. It has many uses such as simple filtration, oxygen release, algae control as well as improving the beauty of the tank. Its easily manageable nature is perfect for both fresh water tank starter and even advanced aquarists. Notably, with regards to the recommendations and setup steps given in this write up, the beauty of the moss ball could be installed in your fish tank for an extended period.
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