To algae or not to algae

[frilly]

I have a 39" tropical tank and recently saw some balls of algae for sale in an aquatic center. I was told if not turned occasionally the balls would form a lush green carpet. I really like the idea but i always thought that algae was bad for the tank.
Please let me know your opinions and advice.

[B00]

Dunno what balls of algae are to be honest, but I'd personally stay away from 'em. Algae in my tank is the bane of my ruddy life, everytime I do a water change I actually have to scrub the stuff from the sides of the tank with plenty of elbow grease, it's a nightmare.

And...without seeing it for myself, id be wary of how easy the bed of your tank will be to clean with a 'carpet' on it.

[hammerman]

They are moss balls....made up of Java moss. They won't invade your aquarium and are a nice novelty plant which is pretty hardy.

Check out the top on in this link

http://www.aquaticplants.eu.com/cgi-bin/sh0000 01.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2faquaticplants%2eeu% 2ecom%2facatalog%2fPREMIUM_RARE_PLANT_%2ehtml& WD=moss%20balls&PN=Very_Rare___Unusual_Section %2ehtml%23a750#a750