The 12 Most Amazing And Uniquely Beautiful Houseplants You Never Knew Existed

Marimo balls from moss: It sucks Up Nitrates and Other Nasties. Like live plants, moss balls absorb nitrates. But—also like plants—it's usually not a large amount. The ball would make a difference only if it were kept in just a few gallons of water. Still, any nitrate absorbent is a benefit to your tank's ecosystem. Moss balls are also like little filters, sucking up debris and small amounts of ammonia and phosphates. Like plants in general, moss balls suck up CO2 and release oxygen in the water. If you don't like noisy air stones, some Marimo moss balls are a great addition to help you oxygenate your tank. While gravel and filter media is the most valuable seeding items for a new tank, the Marimo moss ball, like many plants, has colonized beneficial bacteria on its surfaces, and can make for great seeding material. I wouldn't put one in a filter (in fear of hurting the moss ball) but they can help with the nitrogen cycle. A lot of aquarium plants don't do so well in high pH water, but this doesn't affect moss balls. I have kept moss balls in pH of 8.4, and they remained healthy. Goldfish are known to eat anything in their paths, so don't be surprised if your goldfish tears this ball to shreds.