ID : Roundish fur plant

[Orion]

I saw C328 polyart selling some green roundish fur-like moss 3 for 10 bucks.
Anyone know it's origin and the parameter to keep them. Are they naturally occuring?

In Japan Hokkaido river stream there is also similar type local called mamamo that look very similar. (Highly unlikely the same)

[antitrust]

you're talking about marimo moss balls right? yes, they are naturally occurring. those moss balls you see are probably more than 20 years old as they only grow 5mm per year!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marimo

some quotes from the above link...

In Lake Akan they grow particularly large, up to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). Mývatn, Iceland, has dense colonies of marimo that grow to about 12 cm in diameter and form well defined patches on the lake floor at depths ranging from 2–2.5 m

and

The round shape of the marimo is maintained by gentle wave action that occasionally turns it.

cheers!

[Orion]

So it's the same as the ones selling at polyart?

[Orion]

It is said that taking good care of the plant will make one's wishes come true. - wikipedia

I like this part. Will be getting them tomorrow.

[Joseph*]

taking care of the marimo moss balls is very very easy.

so honestly, there is really no such thing as taking good care of it imo. haha.

it takes care of itself very well.

I got 3 of them myself. I love their look too. the only setback is it grows too slowly to notice any growth..

[blue33]

In order to make them become round you got to rotate or move them, if stay in same position too long they grow out of shape instead of round.

[Orion]

Ah. I think rotating them once a week during water change may be enough. Why this happens?

Perhaps it's got a brain inside that tells him better be round when the water is not still so that it can roll.

Can I cut it into half to have two and then let it it grow?

[blue33]

Ah. I think rotating them once a week during water change may be enough. Why this happens?

Perhaps it's got a brain inside that tells him better be round when the water is not still so that it can roll.

Can I cut it into half to have two and then let it it grow?

That i'm not sure, why not!

[Orion]

So... How does it multiplies in nature?

[blue33]

So... How does it multiplies in nature?

It took so long to grow one ball, just a small fur would roll till big ball i guess.

[Orion]

It is really unique.

It can survive without special requirements like some other plants do and can just pack up and go freely. Nice and neat.

For me ,it's a perfect addition to a shrimp tank too, not to mention some of my cichilds in the other tank now are avivd footballers

[blue33]

It is really unique.

It can survive without special requirements like some other plants do and can just pack up and go freely. Nice and neat.

For me ,it's a perfect addition to a shrimp tank too, not to mention some of my cichilds in the other tank now are avivd footballers

If i'm not wrong, i came across one article said that it take in lots of phosphate.

[Orion]

If i'm not wrong, i came across one article said that it take in lots of phosphate.

Yes. I read about that too.

Are there also marine Marimo plants in nature? It would be great if there is.

[blue33]

Yes. I read about that too.

Are there also marine Marimo plants in nature? It would be great if there is.

Know nuts about marine, cant help you!

[Shadow]

it is an algae slow growing algae

[Orion]

Holly! I guess I just bought the most expensive freshwater algae.

I assume the difference between plants and algae is that the latter lacks basic organs like roots, leaves that plants possess as such seaweeds are also being classified as algae too.

Plant and algae taxonomies are just creation of man right?

I'll just love them as they are.

[beetlejuice403]

These algae balls are sure a beauty in the tank...

Have 1 in my goldfish tank but my greedy goldfish go & 'munch' on the algae ball!!! Now the algae ball got one hole here, one hole there... & the 'munched' out portions are rolling all over my lapis sand... Hope maybe one day, they'll roll into new algae balls also..

[blue33]

These algae balls are sure a beauty in the tank...

Have 1 in my goldfish tank but my greedy goldfish go & 'munch' on the algae ball!!! Now the algae ball got one hole here, one hole there... & the 'munched' out portions are rolling all over my lapis sand... Hope maybe one day, they'll roll into new algae balls also..

That's interesting, goldfish and algae ball

[Orion]

Hi blue33

Where you get all these nice similies? Very interesting

[Orion]

These algae balls are sure a beauty in the tank...

Have 1 in my goldfish tank but my greedy goldfish go & 'munch' on the algae ball!!! Now the algae ball got one hole here, one hole there... & the 'munched' out portions are rolling all over my lapis sand... Hope maybe one day, they'll roll into new algae balls also..

Well then you have to create vortex in the tank everynow and then. Manual mode OK!