Let’s face it, having your moss balls float above your aquarium doesn’t really look fitting.
This can leave you pondering why your Fluval moss ball won’t sink. Is Fluval Moss Ball not Sinking as usual?
Fluval moss balls might not sink due to the trapped air bubbles inside. This causes the moss balls to float above. Another reason behind the moss balls not sinking is the buoyancy of their inner core. These moss balls are wrapped in Java moss and have a different base which causes them to float.
We will help you learn all the reasons behind your moss balls not sinking. In addition to that, we will demonstrate a few different straightforward approaches.
These methods will allow these moss balls to drop to the bottom of the aquarium.
Keep reading to find out more on how to get your Fluval moss balls to sink.
Why Won’t My Fluval Moss Balls Sink?
You might be curious about “What is a Fluval moss ball?” It is an artificial plant decoration that looks like algae. They help maintain healthy aquarium conditions by controlling phosphate and nitrite absorption for small fish, shrimps, etc.
There is also a possibility that you were also wondering “Are Fluval moss balls alive?”
The Fluval moss ball has an appearance identical to that of the spheres of Cladophora algae. Although this might be a synthetic moss ball, it can behave like a real one.
Before adding fish after a water change, you can place these decorative plant balls in the aquarium.
But you might notice some of the moss balls starting to float above. Which might not be the outcome you were hoping for. In regards to the overall aesthetics of the aquarium, this could or could not be credible.
If you are wondering what is making these moss balls float above, then we got you.
Reason 1: Trapped Air Bubbles
One of the main reasons behind your moss balls not sinking is air bubbles. Moss balls can float because they contain air bubbles that have been caught inside of them.
When real moss balls engage in photosynthesis, oxygen molecules are produced. Because of this, real moss balls may ascend to the level of the water’s surface.
These moss balls rising to the edge of the water make them seen in such a way.
But, Fluval artificial moss balls do not have any synthesis happening within them. However, there is, nonetheless, the potential for air bubbles to become trapped inside.
Despite this, it is possible that some people won’t even mind having this floating moss ball. But if you want to tackle this issue, we have got you. All you need to do is follow the steps that are outlined in the upcoming sections.
Solution 1: Push it Down the Tank and Wait
If you press moss balls down into the water, they might remain stable on the bottom. However, it will maintain its buoyancy for a brief period of time after that.
You might be using your Fluval moss ball for Betta. You can force your Fluval moss ball toward the bottom of the tank.
After a day, there’s a possibility that they will eventually reach the bottom of the tank.
This is something that transpires on a regular basis. But, there is still a chance that it will not go to the bottom straight away. The moss balls will eventually sink and take on the appearance of real moss balls.
Solution 2: Poke a Small Hole in the Moss Ball
We propose to you make a tiny hole in the moss ball. It is possible that the air trapped inside is causing it to float.
You may remove the air bubbles by squeezing the moss ball. Conduct this technique after you have previously pierced a hole in it with a needle.
When you squeeze the moss ball, you need to apply a moderate level of pressure. Otherwise, it might feel like the moss ball is about to break.
This is how you can fix your Fluval moss ball floating issues.
Reason 2: Not Having Enough Water Inside the Moss Ball
When you throw the moss balls for the first time into the water, they might not sink. This usually happens when you have a new moss ball.
Newer Fluval moss balls are lighter in comparison. It is a large sphere-shaped construct made out of Java moss. This Java moss is wrapped around a central component.
The buoyancy of the base prevents them from sinking on their own. This is the extent to which it is opposed to genuine moss balls.
As a consequence of this, there is a chance that they won’t sink instantly afterwards. Therefore, to resolve this issue, you can try following the procedures that are mentioned beneath.
Solution 1: Run the Moss Balls Under Tap Water
If your moss ball for the fish tank won’t sink, then take it out of the tank. You can take the moss ball and run it under tap water for a while.
It is going to require you to water-log it. The buoyancy of the inner core of the moss ball won’t make it float any longer.
Hopefully, this way you will be capable of finding an answer to your specific problem. This can be possible if you proceed in the manner we described.
It is always important to clean the moss ball when you’re disposing of the aquarium water as well. This contributes to the objective of ensuring the fish are in decent shape and in a healthy environment.
Solution 2: Wait for the Moss Balls to Sink on their Own
There are instances when you can fix this without doing as much on your own. You don’t need to do anything different with the moss balls.
You just need to simply leave the moss balls alone.
The moss balls will finally sink on their own. This would happen after floating on top of the water in the aquarium for a while.
That’s why you have absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of carrying out any actions.
The best-before date of these Fluval moss balls seems to be rather limited. According to the manufacturer, these are only effective for a maximum of two months.
Because they can’t be regenerated, you will need to periodically replace them with new ones. Always be sure to maintain a healthy aquarium.
You shouldn’t pass up the chance to look at these great items we handpicked for you. These items will help your aquarium maintain its pristine appearance at all times.
FAQs
What Is the Shelf Life of Fluval Moss Balls?
Fluval moss balls have a shelf life of approximately two months in aquariums. This moss ball is effective in aquariums containing fish. This also works great in aquariums that have freshwater shrimp too. It fits as a nice addition to aquariums of up to ten to twenty gallons in capacity.
Can I Determine If A Moss Ball Is in Bad Condition?
Yes, you can determine if your moss balls are in bad condition. If you observe that your moss ball is slippery, it might indicate a bad condition. It’s probable that an algal species is beginning to form around it. These intrusive algae build a barrier around the moss ball, suffocating and killing it.
Does the Water Temperature Matter in Moss Balls?
Yes, the water temperature does matter when it comes to keeping healthy moss balls. Moss balls will survive and thrive in water with temperatures below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They may survive in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours if the temperature is high enough. But don’t place it in the freezer.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope our piece helped you understand why your Fluval moss ball won’t sink. In addition, we also hope that the advice we provided was helpful in resolving this issue.
Did you know that choosing the correct size fish tank is an essential decision?
We wish you a joyous day ahead!
