Just wondering if anyone here has ever used marimo balls? They're basically just balls of algae. They're supposed to outcompete the "bad algae". I just saw some online and was wondering about them. Thanks.
Marimo Balls
- Thread starter Davey_8313
- Start date
They supposedly keep algae out of your tank. They outcompete the regular algae so the balls just grows. They can supposedly get up to the size of a basketball.
I have a few.They are slow growers I wouldnt think they would have much effect in reducing nutrients enough to disrupt an algae bloom.They are kind of cool though.With enough light they float up to the surface and sink again.Youd be better off with java moss or some faster growing plant if you are looking to outcompete algae though.
Thanks Gomez. I was just wondering about them. I was thinking about getting some hornwort, but I've heard it can take over fast. I just want an easy floating plant to provide some cover really. I've got a DIY CO2...
Well, here's the deal: if you want a plant that will soak up nutrients fast enough to starve the algae, you have to be willing to deal with that plant growing rapidly. Growth = nutrient removal. It's really not that big a deal to prune back your fast-growing plants and toss the excess or give it away to friends; it's less annoying than scrubbing the glass, that's for sure.
these are super slow growers and really wont out compete much of anything. like noto said if you want something to out compete get some fast growing plants.
I wasnt planning on getting any for that purpose. I just like the way they look. Wouldn't hornwort or anacharis work for fast growing?
Hornwort is fast growing,so is duckweed.If you go with duckweed get one of the larger varieties,the small ones are a pain to remove.
these are just for my 150 for some top cover. i plan on making my 20 a planted in about a month. thanks again gomez. should i just look for large duckweed?