Tropical Fish Forums

myhamster · Regulars Joined: 19 Dec 2006

Hi,
I have a moss ball. I'm not sure how they make moss balls - would it be possible to cut the moss ball in half and grow both halves?

My thinking is that since the light is coming from the top, the sides and bottom of the ball doesn't get much light, and will eventually die. If I cut it in half, both halves could be facing the light, and it'll be better. Does that make sense?

I wonder how they get moss balls to grow so well on all sides? Do they rotate them regularly?

Thanks,
Eric

paul-discus · New Members Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Location: Leeds. England

Eric.
The moss balls need to be rolled every week to keep them green on all sides.

jimmy campbell

I bought a moss ball a few weeks ago. heres my post. hope it helps...

http://www.aquahobby.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=39927&highlight=

myhamster · Regulars Joined: 19 Dec 2006

Thanks. I took a leap and cut my ball in half. I just used my hands and pull it in two.

The inside of the moss ball is darker, and it seems the inside is the "root" part of the algae. The inside is not made of clay, as I've read on some other websites. I took my two pieces and tied it to a rock under good light.

Still have a few questions:
1. Does tying it down inhibit growth?
2. Will the algae attach to the rock?

Thanks!
Eric

tetrabarb · Regulars Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: SE US

here is an excerpt I found on a website that sells moss balls:

"The Moss Ball is a spongy velvet-like green algae ball that in the wild is found around Japan and Northern Europe. They were once thought to be extremely slow growing, but recent studies suggest that the growth can be accelerated by providing more nutrients. In its natural habitat, they are moved around by undercurrents and sink or rise in order to receive plenty of light to carry out photosynthesis."
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jimmy campbell

keep me or us posted about how the moss ball is doing, I'm curious myself how to do it. Based on the questions "1. Does tying it down inhibit growth?
2. Will the algae attach to the rock?" I'm assuming because you took it apart and tie it to a rock it will attach itself to a rock, java moss does so why wouldent this moss ball? but who knows, I've never seen this moss ball before and thought it was cool and bought it so I'm as clueless as you.

myhamster · Regulars Joined: 19 Dec 2006

I have a feeling it won't attach itself to rock - they naturally roll around, and actually form round balls.