Duckweed for natural aquariums: ecological and purifying floating plant
What is Duckweed?
Duckweed (Lemna minor) is a floating micro-plant that forms a green carpet on the surface. Ultra-resilient, it is compatible with filterless aquariums and all low tech tanks. Its rapid growth quickly absorbs nitrates and phosphates, a valuable asset for naturally combating algae, both in aquariums and ponds. But above all: it is a choice food for goldfish and koi carp.
Benefits of Duckweed in a natural aquarium
- Fast purification: absorbs nitrates and phosphates, making it an excellent purifier plant in aquariums
- Natural shading: soothes sensitive fish and shrimp
- Support for microfauna: infusoria, springtails, daphnia... providing the live food necessary for fry
- Fresh and natural food: highly appreciated by goldfish, koi carp, and other herbivores
- Very easy floating plant: perfect for ponds, trash ponds, and low tech tanks
How to care for Duckweed?
- 🚀 Rapid growth: remove excess with a net or let goldfish eat it
- 🚫 No substrate needed, roots free on the surface
- ☀️ Intense light: the stronger the light, the more it grows, and therefore the more nitrates and pollutants it consumes
- 🌡️ Temperature: 1-30°C. Frost usually destroys it, but it sinks to the bottom in winter to avoid freezing while waiting for spring
Our tips for using Duckweed
Simply place the duckweed on the surface: they are unsinkable and will float on their own.
Ideal floating plant for:
- 🐠 Community tanks
- 🪣 Trash aquariums
- 🏊 Ponds, especially if they house goldfish or carp, as they love it (source of fiber and vitamins)
“Duckweed is the Swiss army knife of the natural aquarium: it filters, feeds, protects — an absolute classic!” — Mattier
FAQ - Duckweed aquarium
Does duckweed take over the aquarium?
Yes, its growth is rapid; so excess must be removed regularly.
Is it compatible with an aquarium without a filter?
Not at all, it is a natural solution to stabilize parameters and consume nitrates in a low tech tank.
Is it dangerous for fish?
No. On the contrary, some fish eat it. Just monitor its growth to absolutely prevent it from blocking the light.
Is a substrate needed?
None: the plant is strictly floating.
Does it reduce too much light for submerged plants?
If the mat becomes too large and dense, it is important to remove part of it to let light through.
