Moss Balls

[PrairieSunflower]

So, back a bit ago there was a bit of a conversation about moss balls theorectically reducing algae growth in the tank due to them actually being algae balls and thus competiting for the same nutrients.

I decided, since they aren't that expensive, to go get some and see what happens! I've added them to my two tanks that don't have them(about a month ago)... and indeed... there is a reduction on how much algae is forming on my glass... in fact, I am cleaning it so much less that I am thinking maybe if I get a few more I may have hardly any algae on the glass at all!

 

[Fontaine]

If this is true, you may have found an answer to my prayers!

I tend to have a lot of algae growth, since the only place in my house I can fit my tank is VERY close to the window in our spare room. We keep the curtains closed, but some light still gets through.

I've been looking for a solution (apart from moving the tank!) so maybe this could be it.

 

[garyspence84]

What about algae on plants or any wood you have in your tank? Does the moss balls keep them any more algae free?

I remember reading that thread a while ago and wondering if it actually worked or not.

 

[Livewire88]

If this is true, you may have found an answer to my prayers!

I tend to have a lot of algae growth, since the only place in my house I can fit my tank is VERY close to the window in our spare room. We keep the curtains closed, but some light still gets through.

I've been looking for a solution (apart from moving the tank!) so maybe this could be it.

Dont get your hopes up, if you have a lot of algae moss balls arnt going to solve the problem.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I'm not sure its made a difference on my plants, but then again I didn't attempt to clean it off my plants to see if it came back. (I don't have any wood). But, I was cleaning my glass every 2 days (brownish algae) and now I'm cleaning it about once per week. I have 2 large moss balls in a 60 litre tank and 3 in a 22 gallon tank. I intend to add more to see if it gets better.

 

[Wanderer]

I love my Moss Balls.

What about algae eating fish?

My UV filter seems to keep the algae at bay, even before I got the Moss Balls. However I'm not sure algae would be a problem because my it forms the basis of the natural diet of garra rufa fish in the wild. They love the algae wafers I give them.

The larger Moss Balls I purchased (on ebay) had a lot of debris inside them- a very good presoaking is reccomended.

Perhaps Moss Balls absorb a lot of debris- it is said that they need to be gently squeezed now and then to keep them clean. I pulled one apart to make 2, just hoping that it will eventually get a good shape back, that its fibres will join together again (I rolled it to make a ball, but still not quite the same).

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I've never squeezed the one I've had for a long time... maybe I should.

 

[zain611]

I got one moss ball in my tank and i never got any algae and my tank is next to the window and i only get dirt forming no algae

 

[Liz xty]

I've inherited some moss balls with a second hand tank and its accoutrements included.
Just found them in top of the bucket full of gravel! They'll have been out of water for at least a couple of weeks but had been beneath a carrier bag with other bits in. I thought they were pebbles covered, but found them to be squishy when prodded. They're still deep green and quite wet. Should I soak them before adding them to my existing set up? How long would they live as they are in "just moist" conditions?

 

[DreamertK]

I have a tiny moss ball in my tank, but I hadn't seen it for about two weeks and thought my Flourish Excel had killed it. When I moved my tank I found it buried under sand and half of it had turned black! Well I squeezed it out pretty good and it seems to be doing happy again. Never had any algae in my tank to be able to say about that. I hear shrimp and fry like them though.

 

[bluemoon11]

I love my moss balls!! Liz xty I would soak your moss balls then don't see a problem if they aren't completely dried out and are still green. My first ones (2years ago) were sent from Malaysia and took 18 days to arrive. They were in a bag with drops of water but are still going!! xxx

 

[Liz xty]

A bit of a bonus!! - didn't realise how beneficial these "blobs" were!
I'll give them a soak in a jug of tank water and add them to the old tank for now. Hopefully have some nice big blobs for my new set up.
Little bit excited!!!!

 

[zain611]

Is there any other plants that have an easy care level like moss balls?