Marimo Moss Balls unboxing and care, how to put them in your tank Pet Moss!

How to care for Marimo Moss Balls, they are great living moss/algae sculptures that continue to grow in a spherical form. Here I review and install them in my aquarium. An easy way to add greenery to your aquatic features.
Get your own Marimo Moss Balls: amzn.to/3b3T8Ai
Marimo Moss Balls are a great way to add to your aquarium habitation with living balls of moss/algae.
They compete with nutrients that algae needs and therefore reduces growth. Marimo Moss is actually a form of algae and it will grow nicely in temps below 78 deg. F. There are Marimo Moss Balls that are over a hundred years old. Growing approximately 5mm in diameter per year. Long lasting and pleasant to look at in your aquarium or other aquatic habitats.
These were purchased from Amazon.com
I was not compensated in any way for this review, I paid full price and purchased them just like anyone else.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking Amazon.com and affiliated sites

[@bones1026]

Tearing them in half is perfectly fine, they will just grow into two more moss balls. :D

[@ericajennings6622]

I was actually looking at getting these exact moss balls on Amazon! Super happy I found this video, well explained and very helpful.

[@anna-vs2gs]

You have a very nice fish tank, Fred. I like these moss balls, too, but I can only keep them in my tropical fish tank. My dear goldfish dine on everything ...

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Anna, thank you! Yes, I've heard of others having problems with goldfish eating them. : ( Thanks for taking time to comment!

[@timsInSSI]

I didn't know they existed, thanks for the education.

[@FrederickDunn]

You're welcome as always! I was actually shopping for Nerite snails and they were offering these so I sort of did a spontaneous buy :)

[@braulioibarra4291]

Frederick Dunn is this real marimo moss ball cause they were protected in Japan unless its a different type of moss ball since a lot of the ones sold here in the USA are fake marimo moss balls

[@GregamazingNinja]

I really love the content from this channel, awesome quality.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you Ninja Gregory!

[@machumang8346]

Follow up! I ordered the moss balls 3 weeks ago and they have arrived I can tell you that the link is valid! I got the 5 moss balls I ordered. The price is the major bummer I paid 23 dollars for the 5 but they weren’t as big, they were all a few centimeters, but I’m not complaining! I had been looking for these for weeks.

[@FrederickDunn]

They last basically forever! Thanks for using the link :)

[@machumang8346]

@@FrederickDunn yes! I am happy to help

[@alteregos8949]

Great video once again. I’m a Saltwater Reefkeeper Hobbyist myself and don’t have extensive knowledge about fresh. This was quite interesting to watch. With salt you want to try and maintain a “Green” free tank. My guess is these balls help with oxygenating the water as well as add to the decorative value to a fresh water tank? Very interesting! Great video again and the only thing missing was you didn’t show the entire tank! Only a small section where you placed the moss balls. Thanks for sharing!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks and yes, they do help oxygenate the tank during illumination periods, BUT, become consumers at night, so balancing tank aquatic life density is still important. Sorry I didn't show the complete tank, I did other aquarium videos which show how to set up and stock a tank, in those, you see the entire thing :) Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@Trixiegirl88]

Never heard of these guys. So, you are now the tech guy that has the modern day Ark! :)

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Trixiegirl, do you mean by "these guys" the sellers? or the Marimo Balls? They are marketing Marimo Moss Balls as "Plant-Pets" which I think is funny! I think you already know that I'm interested in almost all living things :)

[@Trixiegirl88]

I meant the little moss balls. I've had a few aquariums in my 61 years, salt and fresh, but never come across these. My favorite was my seahorses! And I am also one that loves almost anything that breathes!

[@danushkayuohan7634]

I like the background music

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you!

[@luislandofficial]

I use tap water and they’re fine had mine over 6 years. The water needs to be cold they can even go in the fridge to cool down during the summer or a cold ice cubes helps too

[@UK-Blue]

I love moss. Seriously love it! Good purchase 👍

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm with you... in the woods, on rocks and in the aquarium! Just looks great!

[@UK-Blue]

Yup.... have you ever shoved your face in deep moss in the woods? If not... you must. Ram your face in and just relax a moment and breath. It’s gorgeous. I’ve come to realise that each tuft has a slightly different smell/ taste. Maybe I’m strange LOL... but try it😉🐶👍

[@FrederickDunn]

Um no, I haven't shoved my face in moss, BUT when I was 17 a very "active" girl jumped me in some moss in Vermont :) I survived...

[@UK-Blue]

Haha 😂.. well if you hadn’t have survived..... What a way to go! 😉😉

[@Miss_Maggie]

Frederick Dunn I agree! The moss is such a gorgeous attribute to nature & wooded areas just wouldn’t seem quite as lush without it! 😊

[@leeloocarson4538]

Great Video!!!!! I will be receiving my marimo balls from aquatic arts soon. Thanks for all the tips :)

[@FrederickDunn]

Don't forget to name them :)

[@leeloocarson4538]

@@FrederickDunn Will Do :)

[@ScaryFear]

I love these. Funny I was just talking about these with Chris. I had bought some of these from Petco years back when I tired my hand at fish keeping. It was a disaster. I had goldfish and they ate all of them. So they had the nice expensive salad. I never bought any again. If I ever do just a water plant tank maybe I'll try again. But they are very cool plants. You got some nice one. Hope your fish stay away.

[@FrederickDunn]

Nothing is eating them so far :) even my nerite snails cruise over them and aren't munching down :) they look like something Dr Suess would sketch out :)

[@ScaryFear]

I'm glad they aren't being eaten. I have seen your reviews on Amazon. I didn't know that was you. I went to your profile and tried to add you but couldn't figure out how. Well my name there is Thagirion if you want to see my profile.

[@FrederickDunn]

:) yep, I'm a top 1000 reviewer there... I'll find you!

[@FrederickDunn]

There's no method for searching a profile name? That's annoying.

[@ScaryFear]

It is annoying. Amazon is not user friendly for adding people. I'll PM you the link. I think there's a button for adding that says Remember. Not what you'd think. I could see your profile but couldn't find that button on yours so I couldn't add you either.

[@CarrieSketches]

I love mine. We only have 3.

[@aislingcanning8958]

Well I don’t actually have fish but I’m getting just one and I’m planning to actually put in just a little jar I was just wondering if that would all be okay?

[@FrederickDunn]

sure.

[@aislingcanning8958]

Frederick Dunn thanks!

[@redcarpet2676]

I bought the same moss balls on amazon April of 2018. They are all falling apart and getting stuck in my filters. I have great lighting and the water quality is spot on. I can't figure why they all eventually look like they exploded.

[@FrederickDunn]

I would contact the sellers and let them know. All of mine have done nothing but improve and grow. They are intended for low-light. Did they also turn brown? Or are the tiny bits still green? I'd definitely get in touch with the sellers as they have surely had that past experience and should help get you going in the right direction for recovery.

[@redcarpet2676]

It's weird because the tiny bits are still green and healthy looking. No brown or weird discoloring. It's like they exploded from within. I do a 1/3 water change each week and take them out and rinse them in filtered water, little shake and lite squeeze. Here is pictures on my amazon review. I requested a new set of balls. www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3VVJMOAKDUJ81/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00I323A0E

[@asiaanthony4682]

too warm of water I'd imagine

[@bcbc8424]

Drop the 🎤 ! Perfect video for the 🐟 ! Thanks!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks!

[@callumjones3363]

As if i got a subway meat ball add 😂

[@Loachie90]

Cherry shrimps love these

[@FrederickDunn]

That's what I've read.. I don't have any of those, do you have them Michael?

[@Loachie90]

Frederick Dunn I used to keep Res Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Wood Shrimp. I was totally hooked on shrimp keeping! I don’t have a tank right now ever since I moved across the country haha. I do miss keeping them

[@FrederickDunn]

That's cool Michael... yep, when we move around, it's hard to get back into aquatics sometimes. Back when I was a student in Southern California, my apartment was lined with large custom aquaria and I was completely overboard with fish. I designed and installed custom tank systems for Cyphert's Aquarium which was in North Park... lots of fun and a chance to combine art, engineering, and tropical fish :) that was in the early 80's.. I'll be expanding here once again and things really haven't changed that much! :) Always great to hear from you Michael...

[@alexh4273]

I just use sink water I don’t put it in right away I give it 24-48 hours than I put the moss ball in

[@farcklemincus2924]

Thanks

[@allisonetheredge2765]

I clicked the link for amazon and it said not available. Can you share how much you paid and for how many balls it said you would receive? What's a good price for these balls?

[@FrederickDunn]

Check into Aquatic Arts... they have very good products and decent pricing.

[@geoffreyivie9885]

What are some things that could have come with the moss balls? Things to watch out with the moss balls?

[@FrederickDunn]

Just as with any live plant you're adding, it's a good idea to rinse them and observe. You can end up with snails and other critters you don't want.

[@machumang8346]

Can you give us a valid link?

[@flamingpolishhillbilly8198]

Can I grow these in a more shallow tank like a dish garden or inside of a terrarium with only 5 or 6 in of water in it? Can I grow them by just keeping them super wet all the time. In a shallow dish. Even if it's just for temporary. Part Of a display? Your video really cleared up quite a few questions thanks

[@FrederickDunn]

They can be in a shallow water display, but the water should cover the top of the moss ball, they can't just be "wet" and the light should be low, not direct sunlight as on a window sill, they do well in medium to low light. If it's a temporary display, they can probably tolerate less than optimum conditions but wouldn't do well if left "just wet".

[@cutefish7317]

Moss balls don't do well in water over 60 degrees. Marimo or moss balls in the wild are only found in icy water in Iceland, Scotland, Estonia, and Japan. I had 12 moss balls in 10 years and they always ended up looking like a rug covered with algae a few months later. Moss balls are not hardy and they need cold water to do well. Moss balls are algae magnets unless you have a machine to roll them 24-7 in cold water in low light.

[@FrederickDunn]

Mine have been in 75.6 degree water for years and are doing extremely well.

[@bryonwilson8498]

Where did you get the 30 minute time frame? When these are purchased they should be quarantined for at least 30 days in a heated tank to eliminate bacteria and disease. They should also be squeezed slightly to rinse out the debris from the tank they came out of (repeat several times). They also require light while in quarantine.

[@FrederickDunn]

at 00:41 you'll see the instructions which show the 30 minutes. It's part of their quick-start guide. I'm sure the smart thing to do is quarantine them, but as part of my review process, I follow seller guidelines and don't deviate. I can say that as of August 19th of 2018, they are all healthy and doing great. I would never fault anyone for adding a quarantine stage prior to introduction. The seller and I went through a careful evaluation of their quarantine process and I was satisfied with their methods. May I ask what "diseases" you've come across with Marimo Moss Balls and what the impact was?

[@danielweston9188]

Great review - however is cabin fever must be getting to everyone in the Northeast . . .

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Daniel... we are still snow covered here and that's why every year around this time, I create videos about small pets and other indoor projects :)

[@papayabasher]

is there an updated Amazon link?

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm sorry to say that all reputable sellers are sold out. Maybe you can get them at a local fish store?

[@thegoldfishking7954]

A cube instead of sphere

[@suzannenichols6900]

I bought a different brand and they came and they're dark and they smell bad and I'm just about ready to just send them back I'm furious that I didn't get the nice green ones like you have. If my fish gets sick I'm going to be even madder.

[@FrederickDunn]

Always buy from trusted suppliers that practice bio-security.

[@PurpleTube]

Did these grow? They came dry so I was wondering if they are fake or live.

[@FrederickDunn]

They should never be dry. Yes, they are continuing to grow :)

[@PurpleTube]

Frederick Dunn thank you. I’m looking to order some from amazon myself. Have a great day.

[@sirpfa]

Look, i use fully chlorinated tab water and i can tell you its doing perfectly fine...

[@stellabeanpurry8477]

I think he is giving us best practices. I have too, and they were ok, but likely some would not be. I got them for my hermit crab, so they are not immersed in water. I soak them with a spray bottle a few times each day. I thought he was eating them but I now think he drinks water from them and maybe chews on them a little. I got them froma seller on Amazon, the tiny ones. The hermit crab adores them and they are shown in the listing to be for hermit crabs. They are surviving his attentions. Then I saw that betta fish like them too and am pretty happy to give them a try with our betta.

[@pecador_tor]

@@stellabeanpurry8477 how did you get it to chew on it?,I it a saltwater hermit crab ,cause I just I got some and I bought tree small marimo balls

[@johndeckard6592]

How are they doing now?

[@FrederickDunn]

Great and I have twice as many now as I placed another order :) My daughter has them in her tank also. No complaints.

[@potatosalad6524]

So I put them in water wait 30 mins then squeeze them a bit then put them in new water for 30 minutes again and then it’s good?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, that's fine :)

[@jakeshoemaker3396]

Will my plecco devour these ? They are algae right

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Jake, yes they are algae, I think you would have to test that out on your own as I don't own any Plecostomus. If they do eat them, you just bought them some slow-growing fish food :) Please let me know if you do that test, I'd be interested to know. I do know that goldfish will devour them.

[@kauaipuppy841]

Mine came from the same seller with plenaria worms. Followed instructions. They were not visible until a week later. No fun. They are in a large beeker alone for a while.

[@FrederickDunn]

What?!!! (';')( ';')... that does NOT sound good!

[@amorhana578]

Will shrimp and snails eat moss balls?

[@FrederickDunn]

They may browse them, but won't do any serious damage :)

[@shankywank4620]

Large or nano?

[@FrederickDunn]

large

[@jordanpilgram2336]

i have a reverse osmosis water pump is that the same as well water?

[@FrederickDunn]

It's not the same as well water, but reverse osmosis systems are VERY good!

[@Sugarandspice332]

How do I vacuum the tank with these moss balls in them?

[@FrederickDunn]

you remove them for a rinse, vac the tank and replace them.

[@SmoothOperator2013]

can I use like a plastic fish net thing that is for gardening to allow the moss balls to grow into a wall around my betta flo filter wall

[@FrederickDunn]

You "could" but it's nice to be able to remove them for periodic rinsing. :)

[@fuzzysox2625]

Can i set them in tap that's been filtered through brita?

[@FrederickDunn]

You still have to watch out for the chlorine content, so not just a brita filter unless it's rated to remove chlorine.

[@cindy1274]

Is purified water good for loss balls? To soak in?

[@FrederickDunn]

Sure, as long as it doesn't have chlorine in it, that should be fine and keep it at room temperature.

[@werpuiy]

Can it be put in turtle tank amongst Oscars and cichlids ??

[@FrederickDunn]

As long as the water covers them up, yes.

[@molliemills9400]

My moss ball came dry:( will it be ok?

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Mollie, you have nothing to lose by putting it back in water and hoping for the best. If it didn't turn brown, chances are still good that it may make it.

[@molliemills9400]

Frederick Dunn thank you! My moss ball is still very green so I put it back into water and I’m hoping it will be ok!

[@sebastianjungle]

are they good for goldfishes?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, but goldfish may browse on them a little as they really are algae. Keep your fish fed and you should be fine. If the goldfish begin to eat them all up, you may have to protect them a little.

[@sebastianjungle]

Frederick Dunn thank you for the advice but it wont hurt the fishes. ?

[@FrederickDunn]

They will not hurt your fish

[@sebastianjungle]

Frederick Dunn thank you i nade my own moss ball i had so many grow in the garden and on the house is that a bad idea what i done. and put in the tank or is it fine

[@FrederickDunn]

Garden moss is completely different, I personally wouldn't put that in your tank.

[@jadaaaaa5034]

how do you know the ball is gonna be in good quality before u buy it because i want one as a pet rlly bad

[@FrederickDunn]

All I can say is that they arrived here just fine :)

[@ελενημουτ]

Which temperatures are suitable for them? In another video they said that they prefer cold water. But bettas lovers- owners keep marimo moss with the fishes. And bettas love 25-29 degrees Celsius. So????!!!

[@FrederickDunn]

They respond to consistent water temperatures, no dramatic fluxing. In Fahrenheit, their suitable temperature range is 68 degrees to 82 degrees, I keep them at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Why so many question marks and exclamation points?

[@ελενημουτ]

Hahaha. I want the best for any life that enters my home. Thank you very much for your answer !

[@FrederickDunn]

@@ελενημουτ You are very welcome!

[@hanzkybabe7899]

sir what is my marimo teared broke apart?

[@FrederickDunn]

The pieces can still grow.

[@portiaholliday8741]

I put (2) in my (55) gallon tank and keep the other (7) in the refrigerator since they prefer cold and my tank is 79 degrees.

[@iamwithhim1649]

12$ for 6 balls, or just one? I dont get it?

[@FrederickDunn]

Six Balls

[@rafaelvargas4999]

I had to pay 18 australian dollars for 2 of them!!

[@christopherboddey2242]

Can i put these in a discus tank ?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes absolutely :)

[@christopherboddey2242]

@@FrederickDunn thanks for the reply buddy :)

[@FrederickDunn]

@@christopherboddey2242 You're welcome!

[@Karina-un6fz]

How many ounces or gallons do 2 large moss balls need?

[@FrederickDunn]

There really isn't a set amount of water necessary as long as they are completey submerged and not exposed to strong direct light.

[@Karina-un6fz]

I ended up buying what you got:)

[@denised6747]

wait? you have to change the water if the moss ball is in water just plain old water but why you never say why to change the water

[@FrederickDunn]

You do that rinse so that particles that came with the moss balls can be removed before putting them in your final tank.

[@denised6747]

Ok. Because I'm getting mairmo ball just check ing

[@apdroidgeek1737]

can they live on saltwater tank

[@FrederickDunn]

No, they are strictly fresh water survivors. Saltwater tanks would kill them.

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Frederick Dunn i search about them and some hobbyists actually manage to grow them on saltwater tank

[@apdroidgeek1737]

Frederick Dunn they are algae after all

[@FrederickDunn]

That's correct, but fresh water algae is not the same as marine algae

[@quockhanhdang598]

if I cut mario,it will be dead?

[@FrederickDunn]

no, you can make smaller balls by separating a large one.

[@cindy1274]

Moss

[@FrederickDunn]

While the name might suggest otherwise, a marimo moss ball is not actually moss! It's a rare type of algae known as Aegagropila linnaei. Image of Marimo Moss BallOpens in a new window realsimple.com Marimo Moss Ball Moss and algae are both simple plant-like organisms, but there are some key differences between them: Structure: Moss has a stem-like structure with leaves and roots, while algae is typically a single-celled or filamentous organism without these structures. Habitat: Moss typically grows in damp, shady environments, while algae can be found in a variety of habitats, including water, soil, and even rocks. Reproduction: Moss reproduces through spores, while algae reproduces through a variety of methods, including spores, fragmentation, and sexual reproduction.

[@High_Octane]

just go to a store.. do you not like supporting stores? you nkow, where you buy things? online shopping these days is really messing things up for brick and mortar. just drove around town looking for these and found one... i'm sure the shop owner was happy.

[@FrederickDunn]

Of course I did, two pet shops and aquarium stores, they didn't have them. Thanks for the guidance though.

[@High_Octane]

@@FrederickDunn i'm literally just triggered from leaving a great store today who feeling the hurt from this issue. my bad.

[@FrederickDunn]

No problem, I always support small business at every turn :) PLUS, I enjoy visiting with shop owners.

[@okonamaroko9419]

@High Octane You know online stores aren't kept by robots but people? They're often run by stationary stores as additional service. There's lots of small businesses online, don't diss them.

[@High_Octane]

@@okonamaroko9419 are you kidding me? your name must be karen. have fun shopping online while i make sure Pet and Pond Warehouse down the road can keep his lights on. Don't diss them? only dissing you bud.

[@UncleTerry]

Wonder if these would be to big for my ten gallon tank, I'm new to fish keeping, added my first fish today. Three zebra danios kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaCxp4doirCErNk . Been watching your channel the last few days to pick up info on keeping fish, your cycling a new aquarium video really helped.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Uncle Terry, I'm so glad you are benefitting from these videos! These Marimo Moss Balls come in all sizes and they wouldn't bee too large for your 10 gl. You can put several nickel-sized Marimo's in your tank and be just fine, assuming it's not already heavily planted?

[@UncleTerry]

Its not, just some small plastic plants and a piece of drift wood. I will check these marimo moss balls out.