what is a moss ball pet

by Scotty Reilly Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What is a moss ball PET plant?

Also known as “marimo” which translates to “seaweed ball” in Japanese, these spherical algae start and live their lives in aqueous environments. In other words, you can have a moss ball pet in an aquarium, or even in a mason jar with cold water. This pet plant is so easy to care for that it’s hard to mess it up.

Why is my moss ball pet floating?

However, when Marimos perform photosynthesis, the oxygen bubbles generated by the Marimo can make the Moss Ball Pets float up to the surface of the water. Don't be alarmed as that is normal Marimo behavior and indicates a healthy pet! Will Moss Ball Pets reproduce or split into two?

Will Marimo moss ball pets reproduce?

Will Moss Ball Pets reproduce or split into two? Yes, Marimo will reproduce when they are kept in a large pool of water. However, it is not recommend to split up your Moss Ball Pets. Very often you may damage it and it can cause it to die.

Can I split up my moss ball pets?

However, it is not recommend to split up your Moss Ball Pets. Very often you may damage it and it can cause it to die. If you are lucky your Moss Ball Pets would reproduce and you would see a bump growing on them. Congratulations for that is your new baby Moss Ball Pet!

What is the point of a moss ball pet?

Moss Ball Pets are wonderful for fish tanks. They do everything they can to provide your animals with a healthy environment to live in. Fun fact: Many aquarium lovers have mentioned how African Dwarf frogs and Betta Fish like to snuggle up to or lay on marimo in their tank.

Is a moss ball pet alive?

Is A Moss Ball Pet “Alive”? A moss ball pet is alive, and will grow at a very slow rate of speed. Marimo moss balls are solid algae. They grow at just five millimetres per year, which is pretty impressive considering how big they are when you get them.

How long do pet moss balls live?

And of course, we love Marimo because they live forever. Well, not forever, but easily 100+ years. For this reason, we often joke that Marimo make wonderful family heirlooms. Marimo moss ball care is quite simple.

Do Moss Ball Pets grow?

Marimo balls grow slowly: up to 5 mm per year, eventually reaching 2 to 5 inches in aquariums, or 8 to 12 inches in natural conditions. Wild marimos live in cold, dark waters where the waves slowly turn them to expose all sides to the light. Indoors they need to be kept in clean, cold water with low lighting.

Do moss balls have babies?

Yes, Marimo will reproduce when they are kept in a large pool of water. However, it is not recommend to split up your Moss Ball Pets. Very often you may damage it and it can cause it to die. If you are lucky your Moss Ball Pets would reproduce and you would see a bump growing on them.

Do moss balls have feeling?

The shape of the algae is formed due to the slow movement of waves in the lake. Marimo moss balls are characteristic for their fuzzy texture and velvet feeling to the touch.

How much do moss balls cost?

These $5 Marimo Moss Balls Are the Cutest Houseplants You Can't Kill. Learn what marimo moss balls are, how to grow them, where to buy them and — best of all — why you need them in your life. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links. Show: Dig It!

How do you clean a moss ball?

Sometimes moss balls need to be cleaned up a little. All you need to do to clean them is take them out of their container and give them a rinse, then place them into some clean water and gently squeeze them a few times.

Why are my moss balls floating?

Basically, when marimo photosynthesize, they give off tiny bubbles of oxygen that remain trapped in fine filaments on the surface of the ball.

How do I know if my moss ball is pregnant?

0:002:16Pregnant Marimo!? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey they might even sometimes run into a log or rocks just whatever that is possible underwater andMoreThey they might even sometimes run into a log or rocks just whatever that is possible underwater and so the marvels would fall apart slowly they would get looser and looser.

What should I name my moss ball?

Consider using a portion of the previously mentioned word as their nickname, for example, Cali, Dodo, and XP are all fun options. Use the name of a famous someone or something. If you have a favorite celebrity or cartoon character, your moss ball wouldn't mind. Do a quick search.

Do moss balls oxygenate water?

Like plants in general, moss balls suck up CO2 and release oxygen into the water. If you don't like noisy air stones, some Marimo moss balls are a great addition to help you oxygenate your tank.

What are moss ball pets?

Despite what the name suggests, Marimo moss balls are not actually made of moss, even if they look like it. Marimo is actually a type of algae belonging to the genus “Chlorophyta” that grows in the form of a ball due to the pressure of water currents.

Considered a natural treasure

Marimo moss balls are so popular that it has been protected and revered for a long time, to the point of being officially considered a natural treasure since 1920.

Why are moss balls called pets?

There are several reasons why many people consider moss balls as “pets.”

Do moss ball pets have feelings?

All living things feel or perceive their environment in some way, but let’s talk a little bit about science. Clearly, plants and organisms such as algae – yes, algae are organisms – don’t sense in the same way as humans and many groups of animals.

Are they considered alive?

Yes, moss balls are living things, but there is some confusion about Marimo balls, as they are often called “moss balls.”

How to care for a moss ball pet?

Moss balls pets don’t really need a lot of maintenance, making them a good choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to care for other types of pets.

How to clean your moss ball pets?

Although it’s not common, if you notice your moss balls accumulating debris, you can gently squeeze them in clean water to remove the dirt.

How to keep moss ball pets round?from mossballpets.com

You may gently squeeze your Moss Ball Pets to flush out any dirt trapped in it. You may also gently rolls your Moss Ball Pets back and forth on your palm to help them retain their round shape. Moss Ball Pets are living things and they need your love!

Why is my Moss Ball Pet changing color?from mossballpets.com

Change in color from green to brownish shows that your Moss Ball Pet is sick! Please wash your Moss Ball Pet under running water and add some salt (5% of your water volume) into your Moss Ball Pet container or tank for about a week or two.

How long can my Moss Ball Pet last without water?from mossballpets.com

In ideal conditions, Moss Ball Pets can live for one month without water. It is not recommended to keep your Moss Ball Pets out of water for any extended period of time.

Why do Moss Ball Pets float and sink?from mossballpets.com

How can I help my Moss Ball Pets grow faster?from mossballpets.com

You can help by lowering the temperature and improving the water quality.

Can Moss Ball Pets survive in a fully sealed/covered bottle?from mossballpets.com

Yes, Moss Ball Pets can survive in fully sealed/covered bottles. In fact closed bottles can keep out the dust and other pests that may harm your pet!

Will Moss Ball Pets reproduce or split into two?from mossballpets.com

How big are moss balls?

Over the course of many years, the waves gently roll them back and forth into a perfect ball which can eventually reach up to 8-12” in diameter! The Marimos that Moss Ball Pets™ offer, called Jr. Moss Balls, are just toddlers coming to you at about 1-2” in size and 6-8 years of age. With proper care, they may even outlive you!

Where are marimo moss balls native to?

They are native to Japan and Northern Europe where they grow in cold freshwater lakes.

What water should I use to keep moss balls out of my house?

It’s also a good idea to keep them away from radiators or central heat vents. Any type of water can be used to house moss balls, even tap water . Personally, I like to use distilled or spring water because tap water tends to leave a hard water ring along the glass as it evaporates, and it can be very hard to remove.

Is marimo moss good to keep?

In conclusion, Marimo moss balls are enjoyable to keep for any age. They are undemanding in nature and long-lived. I dare you to try and keep only one, for they are hopelessly addicting…in the best way! Photography By: Tracy Walsh Photography.

Do moss balls like to be rolled around?

And they seem to enjoy this treatment! In fact, moss balls like to be rolled around from time to time in order to keep their nice round shape and even green color.

Can you decorate a marimo moss ball?

Making a comfy home for your new Marimo moss ball is half the fun! They can be housed alone, in groups, or with other aqua tic plants. You can decorate the bowl with colored gravel, sea shells, decorative rock, or aquarium miniatures.

What Is A Moss Ball Pet Anyways?

A moss ball pet is basically a small algae ball that you take care of… that likely won’t die if you’re bad at plants. Also known as “marimo” which translates to “seaweed ball” in Japanese, these spherical algae start and live their lives in aqueous environments.

How To Care For Your Pet Moss Ball

All you need to do to keep your moss ball alive is change its water every two weeks or so. In addition to this, you’ll want to try and keep it round. To make this happen, all you need to do is give the water a swirl every so often.

How to keep moss ball pets round?

How do I take care of my Moss Ball Pets?

Moss Ball Pets require water and very minimal light source to survive. It does not require feeding as it performs photosynthesis just like a plant.

Why is my Moss Ball Pet changing color?

How long can my Moss Ball Pet last without water?

In ideal conditions, Moss Ball Pets can live for one month without water. It is not recommended to keep your Moss Ball Pets out of water for any extended period of time.

Why do Moss Ball Pets float and sink?

How can I help my Moss Ball Pets grow faster?

You can help by lowering the temperature and improving the water quality.

Can Moss Ball Pets survive in a fully sealed/covered bottle?

Yes, Moss Ball Pets can survive in fully sealed/covered bottles. In fact closed bottles can keep out the dust and other pests that may harm your pet!

Common Problems

Moss balls, While they are mostly green in color, occasionally can turn brown. This can occur due to too much exposure to light.

Things To Remember

Moss balls are a popular decoration for aquariums, but some fish like plecos and goldfish can damage them. They rip them apart and eat the moss, so it’s important to be careful which fish you add to your tank if you have moss balls.

Propagation

Moss balls are one of the coolest things you can have in your fish tank or aquarium. Not only do they look cool, but they also help to keep your water clean and healthy.

Wrapping Up

Moss balls, also known as Marimo Balls, make a great addition to any fish tank or aquarium. They are a rare form of algae that is naturally formed and helps purify the water while providing oxygen and absorbing nitrates.

What color should moss balls be?

Your moss ball should be full and green!

Where to keep moss balls?

They can be kept in a variety of different habitats, including a bowl, vase, or fish tank. Some have had success with terrariums (water-less) tanks. If you’re looking to purchase a moss ball, definitely do your research before you buy one.

How to know if moss balls are dirty?

However, if you have other inhabitants in the tank and they leave waste, eating food, or dug up sand, you’ll need to inspect your moss balls more often. When you do the inspection simply pick it up and inspect all sides of it. You’ll instantly know if it’s dirty because it’ll turn brown or gray. Washing it is easy.

Why do moss balls grow in shallow bodies?

The circular shape, or should we say spherical shape, is caused by the water currents rolling, molding, and forming the ball. The ball itself is actually made out of algae and that’s been rolled around in circles and formed into these moss balls.

How often should I clean moss balls?

Marimos require cleaning. You should dive in with your hand and pick up your moss ball every other week and gently inspect it to make sure it’s still clean. I think of it like a dog.

Why do marimos float?

By nature, marimos float because they produce bubbles when bright UV light shines on their green, lush spherical surfaces. The bubbles act like buoy and carry them up vertically through the water column.

Is Marimos suspended?

Because of this, ALL sales of marimos are suspended. We are monitoring sources such as the FWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) as the situation evolves.

1. Helps Oxygenate The Water

Moss balls are known for their ability to help oxygenate the water in your aquarium. This is because they release oxygen into the water as a by-product of photosynthesis.

2. They Balance The pH Levels

Moss balls are also known for their ability to help balance the pH levels in your aquarium. They do this by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the water which helps to keep the pH levels stable.

3. Acts As A Natural Water Filter

Moss balls are also great for filtering out toxins like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from the water which helps to keeps it clean and free of any harmful toxins.

4. Reduces Algae Growth In The Tank

If you have an aquarium that is prone to algae growth or if you live in an area with hard water then we have some good news! Moss balls can actually reduce algae growth in your aquarium and this is because they absorb nutrients from the water that algae need to grow.

5. They Absorb Harmful Bacteria

Moss balls are also great at absorbing harmful bacteria from the water. This is because they have a high surface area to volume ratio which means that they can absorb more bacteria than other types of filters.

6. Provides Food To Shrimp And Fish

Did you know that moss balls provide food to your fish and shrimp? That’s right? But not in the way you might think! Moss balls actually get bits of food trapped in their fur and fibers from previous feeding.

7. Good Nitrogen And Phosphate Levels

Moss balls also help to maintain good nitrogen and phosphate levels in the water. This is what keeps the water healthy and clean which is a big help if you have other plants in your aquarium.