[WendyKL]

I have several moss balls - one of them is partially brown and partially green. Is it dead or dying? If it is dying - is there any way to revive it? Thanks!

 

[Wiggyl]

do you ever move them around? in the wild they are moved by currents so they get sun on all sides. it's recommended to turn them over periodically to expose all sides to light.

 

[Briz]

Also you should squeeze it out periodically to get rid of a lot of nasty buildup inside. Just don't do it inside the tank!

 

[WendyKL]

I do squeeze them out every now and then (outside the tank) - definitely perks them up - what exactly is a moss ball - I know this sounds stupid - but just exactly how does it grow into a ball?

 

[Briz]

A marimo moss ball is actually a type of algae that is formed in rivers as it travels downstream and collects more algae. The round shape is from it rolling along. Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marimo

 

[Wiggyl]

If you're squeezing, it's probably the light that's the issue. Just make sure you turn it over every once in a while. I don't know how often you do water changes, but it might be easy to remember to just flip it about 160 degrees after every change. Not full 180, because then you're continuously only getting two sides in the sun, but just a bit shy of a full flip every time.

 

[WendyKL]

Wiggyl - I love your fish names - here's my betta's names: Bungalow (he's a big boy) Curly, Fire, Rainbow, Grape and Dumbo (he's got those ears)

 

[Wiggyl]

Thanks! For the endlers there was no thought involved. Just whatever name came to mind when I saw them swim by. q=