Dangers Of Moss Balls?

[GuyFawkes]

So recently I saw some moss balls at the pet store, which I thought looked pretty neat for a tank. I have 4 pet minnows (I know, they're not tropical) in a 10 gallon tank with an aerator, a filter, small rocks, a couple big rocks, and some decorations. What I'm concerned about is that putting a moss ball in my tank could harm them in some way. Is there any chance, what so ever, that a moss ball could harm my minnows in any way?

 

[thereverendturtle]

Only if they decompose and pollute the water.

 

[GuyFawkes]

Only if they decompose and pollute the water.

Ah, thanks for replying!

What causes this and how do I prevent it?

 

[fluttermoth]

Moss balls are very tough and are unlikely to die, but if they start falling apart or going brown or slimy looking, then you'd want to take them out.

I can't honestly think of any problem you would have adding them to your tank.

I'd also get a few more minnows; they are a shoaling fish, meaning they prefer to be in groups of six or more, and in a ten gallon you have plenty of spare room.

 

[GuyFawkes]

I'd also get a few more minnows; they are a shoaling fish, meaning they prefer to be in groups of six or more, and in a ten gallon you have plenty of spare room.

So I have minnows from the wild that are not from where I live . Would it be bad if I mixed minnows from the pet store with my minnows that are from the wild that are not from around?

Oh yeah, one other thing, what is the schedule for keeping a moss ball? (Like cleaning it once a week, etc.)

 

[GuyFawkes]

In case you don't know what I'm saying in the first part of my previous post. I'm asking, is it okay to mix minnows with minnows that are outsiders?

 

[fluttermoth]

Sorry, I didn't realise these were wild caught minnows; in that case, no you shouldn't mix them; one or the other may be arrying a disease that they themsleves are immune to but that might infect the others.

Maintaining moss balls is easy; just turn them every now and again (once or twice a week, when you do your water changes) to make sure they stay round, that's all

 

[GuyFawkes]

Sorry, I didn't realise these were wild caught minnows; in that case, no you shouldn't mix them; one or the other may be arrying a disease that they themsleves are immune to but that might infect the others.

Are you sure? I really have been "itching" to get more minnows, actually. Is there anything I can do so that I can mix them together?

 

[CezzaXV]

Can I hijack this thread for a moment? Is it okay to cut a moss ball into pieces to cover a coconut with, or is that just crazy talk?

 

[fluttermoth]

Sorry, I didn't realise these were wild caught minnows; in that case, no you shouldn't mix them; one or the other may be arrying a disease that they themsleves are immune to but that might infect the others.

Are you sure? I really have been "itching" to get more minnows, actually. Is there anything I can do so that I can mix them together?

I don't think there is anything you can do to make sure the fish are safe, it's up to you to weigh up the potential risk; to be fair it is quite a small risk, but a very real one.

Can I hijack this thread for a moment? Is it okay to cut a moss ball into pieces to cover a coconut with, or is that just crazy talk?

It's not crazy talk, but other mosses with longer 'strands', like Java or Christams moss are better suited for that job

 

[CezzaXV]

I'm not really a fan of the strandy mosses, I much prefer the finer moss like on the balls. Nice to know it's doable though.

 

[GuyFawkes]

I don't think there is anything you can do to make sure the fish are safe, it's up to you to weigh up the potential risk; to be fair it is quite a small risk, but a very real one.

Is there any way to test a tank for diseases, or would that even help detect what you were talking about?

I love minnows a lot, and I think they shouldn't be used as bait or feeder fish. But if I were to take the small chance of mixing them together, which group of minnows could it affect, wild, pet store, or both? Also, what could I do if this did happen, quarantine tank?

Thanks so much for your help so far.

 

[GuyFawkes]

Please reply

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

It would more than likely affect the shop bought ones, as the wild ones have more than likely been introduced to a far larger amount of infections and diseases, but there is a small chance of the other way too, but not as big.

 

[GuyFawkes]

It would more than likely affect the shop bought ones, as the wild ones have more than likely been introduced to a far larger amount of infections and diseases, but there is a small chance of the other way too, but not as big.

Is there anyway to test the water for diseases?