MOSS BALLS AND CICHLIDS

I love Moss Balls. I think they are funny, interesting and like them in my tanks. They are not really moss but a ball of algae. They are also known as Marimo Balls named after a Japanese Botonist. Mari means bouncy ball and Mo refers to plants that grown in water.

These moss balls or Marimo Balls can be purchased at most pet stores or aquarium shops. They look fuzzy and feel soft and plush. They retain their round shape naturally by being rolled around by the currents. Marimos are easy to care for. They are not alive but an accumulation of algae formed into a ball. However they do give the impression that they are alive because they move around the aquarium.
They can easily be kept in a glass of tap water on the counter. There are only a couple things you need to do for them. Change their water weekly and turn them so they retain their round shape. They are fine in indirect sunlight but do just as well in regular household lights.Over time they do grow and have been known to reach 12". If you find they are getting too big, just pull it apart and make more. They will round up again. If you squeeze the water out they will float.

I have one in each of my Cichlids tanks. The fish don't eat them but will nibble at them and roll them around the tank. Any nibbling that does occur is so minor that they replenish themselves as quickly as they lose volume from the odd nibble. They are a great addition to any fish tank, fish bowl or aquarium as they work as mini filters cleaning the water as they move around.