Shrimp and algae balls

[lampeye]

I'm growing a marimo ball, and was thinking that some kind of shrimp would be ideal to keep it from getting fouled with detritus. But that got me thinking...since most caridinids are algae feeders, will they wear a marimo ball down? How about ghost shrimp - are they likely to nibble on marimo? I see references suggesting that "nothing eats marimo," but I'm looking for personal experiences.

[The Fisherman]

I had a pair of Cherries pick a Moss ball clean in under 2 days.

I have kept my moss ball with Cherries, FW Ghosts, and Amanos. They have not eaten it at all, they do a good job of keeping it clean.

-John

[Mustafa]

since most caridinids are algae feeders

Not true. They are detrivores, which makes them pretty much omnivores....there is a huge difference between that and an "algae eater." Algae are just part of their diet...not their main diet. Just wanted to clarify, as the misconception that they are algae eaters is still persisting.

[Neonshrimp]

Thank you for the information John and Mustafa. Like lampeye I have a marimo ball and was not sure if I should put it in my shrimp tank until now. These things look great in a tank

[Newjohn]

I had 2 marimo balls in with over 400 RCS.
And there was always Shrimp Feeding on top of it.
They keep it very clean. And it grew in size.

I do not think you will have a problem.

I forgot to mention,
I paid next to nothing for these marimo balls.
Because they were covered in Algae, And I knew I have some Shrimp that would take care of that problem.

John

[The Fisherman]

I forgot to add that I also see my shrimp grazing on it, in the same way as with the big sponge filter that I have.

-John