May 18 2011, 03:51 PM, updated 13y ago
It's a pretty much a hit out there and there's not a single topic about marimo in Malaysia thus I would like to start a Marimo thread here for all the marimo lovers out there to share and discuss about their love towards marimo. I saw this tiny little cute algae way before my recent purchase and I never regreted my impulse purchase as this algae/moss ball is really cute and just perfect as a desktop companion.
Picture credit : http://aquascaperz.com
Here's a rough brief about Marimo.
" Marimo, also known as Cladophora ball, Lake ball, or Moss Balls in English, is a species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) found in a number of lakes in the northern hemisphere. A marimo is a rare growth form of the species where the algae grow into large green balls with a velvety appearance. Colonies of such balls are only known to form in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. "
Place of Origin: Lake Akan in Japan
Natural Habitats: Native to Akan Lake in Japan; it is considered as national treasure declared as a natural monument. In its natural habitat; their ability to move around by using the undercurrents also rise to the surface in the morning and sink at night due to receive plenty of light to carry out photosynthesis is an interesting character of Moss Ball. Although these balls have been observed to grow to some degree growing in freshwater lakes and ponds in European countries and some other lakes in Japan; only in this particular lake they grow to be a noticeable size in perfect spherical shape.
How to care your marimo?
Domestic marimo grow in tap water at room temperature as long as the water is changed every one or two weeks (more frequently in summer and less often in winter). The marimo can be placed in the refrigerator in hot weather (above 25°C), but does not survive freezing. Photosynthesis occurs in normal household lighting, otherwise, indirect sunlight since the marimo is adapted for low light conditions only. If the marimo green color turns brownish it may recover without intervention, otherwise a very minimal amount of salt can be added as a suggested remedy.
So why marimo balls you ask.
" Excellent gift for your friend or loved ones to signify everlasting love....
The Japanese believe that Marimo will bring good luck. Hence, they grow it in a glass bottle with just some water & ceiling light. Water change is only required once every 2 weeks.
Marimo is a very popular plant in Japan. Currently protected by the authorities to prevent extinction. The growth rate of Marimo is about 5 mm per year. Hence a giant marimo is about 7 years old!
This plant does NOT cause algae problem. Live Plants is a natural biological filter to remove ammonia in aquarium.
Propagate by dividing into smaller pieces, which become spherical over time.
Negligible maintenance required.
No carbon dioxide injection required for healthy growth. "
References:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marimo
2) http://aquariumhomecare.com/modules/kshop/...s.php?id=100085
3) http://petcity2008.blogspot.com/2008/08/ma...-moss-ball.html
This post has been edited by Andy0625: May 18 2011, 04:03 PM
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I'll contact u soon again as my friend saw the picture and interested in getting it. 
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