Best way to get floaters growing?

[Peatear]

I’ve got a 55 gallon native tank with a singular longear sunfish and was curious what’s the best way to get floaters growing and what’s the best kind to get? the tank sits at 70-73 degrees but every time i’ve tried getting floaters they either die or the filters flow disrupts them. anyone know what kind would be best, and how to get them growing and not pushed around or submerged by the filter? any specific feeding rings or anything?

 

[GaryE]

I would get a piece of driftwood and cut it so it wedges in front to back, and disrupts the filter flow surface agitation. If the tank is large enough and the filter's well placed, it'll give you a calm zone for floaters.

Then go for a walk to your closest streams and lakes and get a read on what floats, if you are in a warmer part of Texas. If it's legal to collect native plants, get them in the Spring to avoid any seasonal diebacks in your warm tank, or look for the tropical versions in the aquarium trade. I can't grow local Elodea indoors here, but I can grow the Brazilian lookalike.

 

[Peatear]

I would get a piece of driftwood and cut it so it wedges in front to back, and disrupts the filter flow surface agitation. If the tank is large enough and the filter's well placed, it'll give you a calm zone for floaters.

Then go for a walk to your closest streams and lakes and get a read on what floats, if you are in a warmer part of Texas. If it's legal to collect native plants, get them in the Spring to avoid any seasonal diebacks in your warm tank, or look for the tropical versions in the aquarium trade. I can't grow local Elodea indoors here, but I can grow the Brazilian lookalike.

would there be any alternative for the driftwood? i don’t have room in my tank for it due to previously established plants