Moss balls falling apart

[Vizerdrix]

My two Japanese Moss Balls in my 65g unheated tank are falling apart!  They both got "fuzzy", almost like the filaments were loosening, then some chunks started falling off one of them (the other is still just "fuzzy" at this point).

I have a third one in my betta tank, and it's doing fine.  That one is heated, could that be the problem with the first two?

Oh, and these are BIG moss balls, almost full-size.  Double the size of the ones over at the mini-auction, for those of you who remember them.

[dan2x38]

No the moss balls can remain in very low temps... from what I read down to 2c... Goggle - Cladophora aegagropila

[fischkopp]

Moss balls should be turned around once a while, cleaning them from debris doesnt hurt either. Light conditioms and water temperature dont matter much, but warm (like >28) wouldnt be too good and I find that they dont do too well in low light conditions. They seem to be also a bit sensitive to water impurities (like NO2).

[Vizerdrix]

No the moss balls can remain in very low temps... from what I read down to 2c... Goggle - Cladophora aegagropila

I'd done tons of research on them before even getting them, and then again when this happened.  Didn't find anything mentioning it (maybe I used the wrong terms?).

Moss balls should be turned around once a while, cleaning them from debris doesnt hurt either. Light conditioms and water temperature dont matter much, but warm (like >28) wouldnt be too good and I find that they dont do too well in low light conditions. They seem to be also a bit sensitive to water impurities (like NO2).

Well, the one that IS doing well is in an 80 F tank, and is never turned.   The other two get a bit more movement; all of them are in stable, cycled tanks, all readings are good.

Hmmm, could it maybe be my BN pl*cos going at them?  I just thought of that, although I never see them munching on them...  They much prefer the zucchini I put in there for them!

[fischkopp]

... and is never turned ...

Which will be likely the reason you have problems. In nature you will find moss ball in rivers and creeks, they will be turn around and rinsed by the stream, keeping them compact and round. If this isnt done in the tank, there is no neccessity for the ball the stay round; they will flatten out and you will find the algea buidling the moss growing all over the place.

Hope this helps 

[Vizerdrix]

Nononono, that's the one that is doing WELL!