Duckweed

[robert1305]

I have a large planter in the garden that holds 20gl water on top is a very lush and healthy duckweed.
Could I put this into my tropical aquarium, it has a glass cover a 1/4" above the level of water.
Is there sufficient space for it to survive ?

Regards Bob

 

[seangee]

You could, but it goes everywhere - including all over your hands and arms when you have them in the tank. Its a challenge to get rid of them if you decide to change. I have previously had this in a couple of tanks and it took months to get rid of all traces. Every time you think its all gone some more will pop up a few weeks later.

I'm a great fan of floating plants but you may be better off with water sprite. Amazon frogbit may be a good choice although it does not like too much humidity, so could be a problem if your cover is fitted.

 

[AbbeysDad]

+1 on water sprite as a very nice, fast growing floating plant.
I got duckweed as a 'bonus' with another plant (guppy grass I think) from our club meeting auction. It is very prolific and can be a bit of a pest plant (like how many feel about excess snails). On the other hand it is very prolific, does aid in water purification, and can be a food source for some fish and turtles. I typically skim a layer off of some tanks during weekly water changes to keep it under control.

 

[Back in the fold]

Duckweed is a must have plant for almost every aquarium. Yes, it does have it's minor annoyances as has been noted but the benefits of duckweed outweigh them.

 

[AbbeysDad]

One additional word of caution. Duckweed can form a mat layer on the surface that could impede the gas exchange of CO2/O2 unless there is sufficient surface turbulence.

 

[Colin_T]

One additional word of caution. Duckweed can form a mat layer on the surface that could impede the gas exchange of CO2/O2 unless there is sufficient surface turbulence.

any floating plant can do that

 

[seangee]

One additional word of caution. Duckweed can form a mat layer on the surface that could impede the gas exchange of CO2/O2 unless there is sufficient surface turbulence.

Oh and it can catch the food and prevent it dropping. Make sure you clear a path before feeding.

 

[Back in the fold]

Oh and it can catch the food and prevent it dropping. Make sure you clear a path before feeding.

Get or improvise an airline tubing connector and make a two inch circle of tubing. It floats on top but keeps the duckweed clear for a food hole.

 

[AbbeysDad]

any floating plant can do that

That can be true, but do to it's small size, duckweed can pack into a thick, tight mat layer,