In the world of aquarium keeping, there are special creatures that amaze both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. One of them is the spherical cladophora. Don't rush to call it just algae, because it is a living, albeit slow-growing, decoration for your underwater garden.
Outwardly, cladophora resembles a neat, bright green moss ball. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is not a plant with roots, but a colony of microscopic algae that form an elastic spherical shape. It is soft to the touch and gives the aquarium a special, natural, and somewhat mysterious look.
This green sphere is not only a beautiful decorative element. It serves as a useful filter, absorbing fish waste products from the water, and is a safe haven for fry and small shrimp. It is interesting to watch: in good conditions, it rolls along the bottom on its own, turning different sides toward the light.
Distribution
Its habitat is the cool waters (temperature not exceeding 22 degrees) of the Northern Hemisphere throughout Eurasia, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Cladophora is most often found at the bottom of rivers and lakes in Japan and Iceland.
It prefers fresh water, but can also be found in moderately salty bodies of water. Under favorable conditions, the balls can reach 30 cm in diameter and live up to 200 years.
Cladophora migrates with the current, which ensures the continuity of the plant's photosynthesis. Because of this feature, the Japanese call it the “lake ghost.”
Growing and care
Ball-shaped algae are one of the easiest aquarium elements to care for and are great for beginners.
It allows a large amount of water to pass through it, providing additional water purification and oxygen enrichment.
To keep the cladophora looking attractive, it is enough to monitor the water parameters and clean the ball of debris.
Water parameters for ideal maintenance
Aegagropila linnaei does not die under unfavorable conditions, but it breaks into pieces and loses its appeal.
- The comfortable temperature for cladophora is 18-20 degrees (no higher than 22).
- The water should be soft, with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction—an alkaline environment and high hardness have a negative effect on the plant.
Constant filtration and weekly water changes (at least 30%) are preferred—cladophora is sensitive to pollution, like most living aquarium inhabitants.
Lighting requirements
In natural conditions, Cladophora aegagropila lives at a depth of at least two meters, so it does not require bright lighting.
Natural lighting, incandescent lamps, and fluorescent lamps are suitable light sources.
The balls can be placed under driftwood or in dark corners.
In bright light, oxygen bubbles accumulate inside the balls, and in the evening they rise to the surface, sinking to the bottom in the morning.
Spherical cladophora must be regularly cleaned of debris. It is enough to take it out of the aquarium once a week, rinse it in running water, squeeze it lightly, and return it to its place. The spheres may become deformed, but they will soon regain their shape.
Soil requirements
The size, shape, and other characteristics of the substrate are irrelevant, as the plant has no root system. Cladophora does not attach itself to the bottom, but lies on the surface or moves freely around the aquarium.
Fertilizer requirements
Cladophora does not require additional fertilization. It is enough to maintain the balance necessary for the other inhabitants of the aquarium and monitor the main parameters—hardness and pH level.
Cladophora globosa is a fluffy green algae that looks like a small hairy ball and looks great in an aquarium. Not only does it decorate the underwater world, but it is also useful: it absorbs excess substances from the water, creating a healthier environment for fish and plants. It is easy to care for — it needs light and clean water, and it grows quickly and rarely gets sick. It is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarium enthusiasts.
Reproduction
Inside the ball are chloroplasts in a dormant state. If the ball breaks into pieces, they become active and eventually turn into separate spheres. The whole process takes 1-1.5 years, so it is not practical to propagate cladophora – it is easier to buy a new plant.
If the sphere has broken apart, you can remove the dead, blackened parts and leave the rest – after a while, they will turn into separate plants.
In cases where pieces of algae spoil the appearance of the aquarium, they are placed in separate containers and favorable conditions are created.
“Bad” cladophora
Cladophora has a “sister” with a similar name, which is a filamentous algae. Stiff green threads cover all surfaces and are difficult to remove.
Control measures consist of mechanical removal of cladophora – the aquarium and decorations are cleaned with a brush, treated with hydrogen peroxide or special preparations, after which unfavorable conditions for algae growth are created.
“Bad” cladophora does not like bright light and high temperatures.
Compatibility with aquarium inhabitants
Due to their love of cool water, green balls are incompatible with most tropical fish.
Cladophora can be kept in an aquarium with catfish and shrimp (they like to sit on top or hide underneath), but they can also destroy the plant. Goldfish and plecostomus are also undesirable neighbors.
Cladophora balls floating in the aquarium can scare some inhabitants. Angelfish are prone to panic, and at the sight of Aegagropila linnaei, they can experience severe stress and die.
Cladophora in aquascaping
You can create any composition with cladophora balls. They are placed in a chaotic order, sometimes attached to the ground or placed between plants without lower leaves so that they do not move from their place. You can hang the spheres on a transparent fishing line so that they seem to float in space.
British aquascaper George Farmer uses cladophora to create original design elements. He cuts the balls, glues or ties them with fishing line to flat stones, driftwood, and other objects, after which they look as if they are covered with moss.
Following his example, other aquascaping enthusiasts use the plant to create entire carpets, attaching it to pieces of mesh.
A little life hack for aquascapers. You can place a piece of moss between the decorations and pieces of Cladophora aegagropila. Over time, it will grow, connecting the surface of the object with the cladophora, and the fishing line can be removed.
Cladophora globosa is truly a unique gift of nature for aquarists. A living, fluffy green ball that does not require complex care can become the highlight of any underwater landscape. Its simplicity only adds to its charm.
In addition to its decorative qualities, this algae also has practical benefits. It gently helps to keep the water clean, and its dense structure serves as an excellent refuge for fry and small shrimp. It is not just a decoration, but a full-fledged and useful inhabitant of the aquarium.
If you are looking for an unusual, unpretentious, and impressive plant for your aquarium, be sure to take a look at Cladophora. It can add a touch of naturalness and comfort to any design, whether it is a strict natural style or a fantasy composition. It is a small miracle that is worth trying to grow yourself.
