Moss ball...in a saltwater sump?

Discussion in 'Algae' started by Va Reef, Nov 2, 2015.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    I remember seeing a thread here awhile ago about all those moss balls (scientifically identified as the same kind found for sale in pet stores) that washed up on Australia's coasts, and speculation as to whether or not moss balls could survive in saltwater.

    A couple days ago I decided to try it. So far, so good. The moss ball looks healthy green, and probably appreciates the tumbling it gets it my sump. Its along side some chaeto algae and some ulva.

    I wasn't sure how to acclimate it, so I just threw it in there. Again, so far so good, which leads me to wonder, if it couldn't thrive in saltwater, wouldn't it have died off by now, as most strictly freshwater plants would in a saltwater environment?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    I seem to remember that they could survive in either- never tried ti though.
    I'm still working on growing my own algae- the ATS
     
  4. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    I seem to remember that they could survive in either- never tried it though.
    I'm still working on growing my own algae- the ATS
     
  5. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    If you are referring to a Marimo ball they can survive brackish water(up to 1.015) but not sw. I would remove it as it can make a mess in the tank when it dies. Stick it in a vase with fw. They are really cool.
     
  6. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    Thanks, pulled it out now.
     
  7. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    I used to keep one in a betta bowl. It did very well. They just need a squeeze once in a while.lol
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Messages:
    3,627
    Location:
    Chesapeake, Va
    Trying to think where I can put it. Might just do a freshwater small vase...all because of a moss ball lol
     
    Vinnyboombatz likes this.
  10. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    That's exactly how I feel!- once in a while! ;)
     
    Vinnyboombatz likes this.
  11. Sataly

    Sataly Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2014
    Messages:
    360
    Location:
    Spring Texas
    5 gallon crystal black shrimp tank! been trying to convince my S.O. to let do it again but it was like dealing drugs when I started to sell the offspring lol.

    edit: or do one of the lesser shrimps such as the Rili or any of the Neocaridina varients.
     
    Vinnyboombatz likes this.