6 DIY Marimo Moss Ball Aquariums And Water Gardens

diy marimo moss ball aquariums and water gardens cover

Sometimes we just need to add a natural feel to the space somehow, and I think that there’s nothing better than water features and potted plants. If we take water bodies indoors, aquariums and water gardens are the choice. While not many of us are ready to take full care of living fish and aren’t ready for the costs, there’s an easier natural way to have a living aquarium at home – go Marimo!

Marimo is the Japanese word for “ball seaweed”, which should give you the hint that, despite the common moniker Marimo Moss Ball, it is not moss at all. It is a type of green algae, Aegagropila linnaei, usually found in Australia, Estonia, Scotland, Iceland, and Japan rolling around at the bottom of freshwater lakes. Marimos are solid algae, radiating from the center and weaving themselves into a dense ball that is incredibly slow growing. Marimos grow only a few centimeters a year, so purchase them at a size you like and they will provide low-maintenance enjoyment for many years to come. Now let’s take a look how to style such a piece.

Here’s a take on how to decorate a very simple glass terrarium with funny figurines and Marimo balls. If you’re not into dirt or you’re not big on gardening, no worries. This is one of the easier types of terrariums to start with, and I’d say it’s probably the best choice for any beginner looking to grow something green without having to worry too much about taking care of it. Japanese Marimo moss balls are one of the easiest things to maintain and, dare I say, the cutest little things nature has ever come up with, second to puppies and kittens. The Marimo ball itself acts as a filter that picks up nitrates and cleans the water.

DIY funny Marimo moass ball aquarium for kids (via vasemarket.com)

DIY funny Marimo moass ball aquarium for kids (via vasemarket.com)

Ready to DIY & say hello to your new friend? It’s fluffy and not only are Marimo fun to look at, neat to explore/handle, it’s also one of the easiest plants to take care of. In the right conditions live to be 100 years old, a true friend for life, so let’s roll! These decorative aquatic plant pets are so cute and it’s really fun to observe these mysterious, happy and fuzzy moss balls.

cool DIY testing tube Marimo ball terrarium (via monsterscircus.com)

cool DIY testing tube Marimo ball terrarium (via monsterscircus.com)

This may be the easiest DIY indoor water garden you could ever plant. Moss balls are not fussy in any way, so you can really use your imagination in decorating the aquarium. You can use different approaches based on what you want your indoor water garden to look like. Many people create a more “seashore” type scene, and this can be pretty too if you want a more coastal feel.

DIY coastal-inspired Marimo ball terrarium (via www.ohmeohmyblog.com)

DIY coastal-inspired Marimo ball terrarium (via www.ohmeohmyblog.com)

If you are looking for a fun garden therapy project that has almost no care requirements, then use marimos to create a modern living water garden! Here is a simple Marimo moss ball water garden that you can make in just a few minutes. Though Marimo balls are super easy to take care of, there are also fake Marimos out there, from Styrofoam balls with artificial moss glued on to hair algae rolled into balls – such Marimo will make your aquarium even more durable.

DIY easy water garden with Marimo balls (via gardentherapy.ca)

DIY easy water garden with Marimo balls (via gardentherapy.ca)

Native to Japan, Marimo moss balls are a filamentous form of algae found at the bottom of fresh water lakes and rivers. Marimos form a velvet-like nearly perfect sphere of green with a moss-type appearance. Marimo moss balls grow by absorbing nitrates, phosphates, and other organic waste from the water. Consuming animal waste in the water makes them perfect companions for fish. This tutorial will tell you how to make both fish and non-fish aquariums.

DIY Marimo moss ball terrarium (via www.containerwatergardens.net)

DIY Marimo moss ball terrarium (via www.containerwatergardens.net)

Time to make a very elegant and chic Marimo aquarium! Here’s a DIY instruction on how to make your own pretty mini aquarium or water terrarium containing Marimo moss ball and your own collected beach treasures – such a decoration will remind of your beach holidays.

DIY qater garden reminding of your beach holidays (via arctida.blogspot.com)

DIY qater garden reminding of your beach holidays (via arctida.blogspot.com)