- Unique round shape
- Low light
- Beginner-friendly
Marimo moss balls are actually not made out of moss at all but a freshwater green algae. They naturally occur at the bottom of certain lakes of the world where the currents are just right to form this algae into a ball shape. They have a deep green color and are very easy to care for, though extremely slow-growing. They look great in any aquarium and will thrive under low light. Therefore, they are an excellent choice for beginners looking for an easy yet eye-catching "plant" to get into keeping planted tanks.
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Scientific Name: Aegagropila linnaei
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Native To: Japan, Northern Europe
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Skill Level: Easy
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Placement: Foreground
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Recommended Light: Low Light 10 or less PAR (click to see our PAR chart)
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CO2 Requirement: None
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Preferred Fertilizer: Easy Green liquid fertilizer
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Propagation: Cut the moss in half to split into two
***Being a natural product, sizes can vary from what is shown.***
How to Plant Marimo Moss Ball
Place the marimo moss ball on the substrate or any surface you like. It may float at first but should eventually sink once it becomes waterlogged.
In nature, Aegagropila linnaei also grows as flat mats on rock surfaces, free-floating filaments, or shaggy sheets on the lake floor. Therefore, aquascapers have gotten very creative with their moss balls, unrolling them into thick carpets, draping them on hardscape, or flattening them to make underwater bonsai trees.
How to Care for Marimo Moss Ball
— Marimo moss ball care is very easy, so start by using low lighting at 10 PAR or less. Too much light may cause excess algae growth, so if you are using a brighter light, consider placing the moss further away from the light or under the shade of taller or floating plants.
— Why is my marimo moss ball turning brown? You may need to rotate your marimo moss ball each water change or once a week so the ball gets enough light across its entire surface. If light is not the problem, then it may be a nutrient deficiency, so measure the nitrate level using a multi-test strip. Dose with Easy Green all-in-one fertilizer until the water has 20-50 ppm nitrate.
For more details, read this care guide on marimo moss balls.
How to Propagate Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo moss balls are very slow-growing and only increase at the glacial rate of 0.2 inches (or 5 mm) per year. However, if you still want to split your moss ball into two, simply squeeze the water out of your moss ball and cut it in half with a knife or scissors. Roll the new clumps in your hands to form little spheres, and tie some cotton sewing thread around them to maintain the shape.
Notes
— Size: Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches at purchase
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