Zebra Mussels in Marimo Balls - PLEASE READ

Ames IA

Description

There have been several reports of "betta buddy" marimo moss balls containing the highly invasive zebra mussel species. If you purchased a marimo moss ball from a pet store in the last few weeks, please remove it from your aquarium and quarantine it. Zebra mussels can look like grit/sand when young, and can reproduce microscopically. If your new marimo moss ball has "sand" in it, it is likely contaminated. If your aquarium was potentially contaminated, bleach your removal water (water change water) prior to dumping it down the sink. Do not use your tank water to water outdoor plants or gardens. If you wish to dispose of your moss balls (as opposed to quarantine) bleach them and then throw them in the trash. Do not flush them or toss them in the yard. Ames Petco has confirmed that the DNR found zebra mussels in their shipment - several other pet stores across the US have also confirmed zebra mussels. Please be careful with how you handle your exposed tank water and ornaments. Zebra mussels are an incredibly invasive species that have been destroying aquatic ecosystems for years.