Duckweed (Lemna minor) – The Ultimate Floating Plant for Natural Aquarium Balance Name: Duckweed (Lemna minor) - Live Floating Plants Difficulty Level: Very Easy Light Requirements: Low to High Growth Rate: Extremely Fast Placement: Surface Floating CO2: Not Required (Shipped in plastic wrappings) Why Choose Duckweed for Your Aquarium? ✔ Natural Water Purifier – Absorbs excess nitrates and phosphates ✔ Provides Shade – Helps reduce algae by limiting light penetration ✔ Oxygenates Water – Improves overall tank health ✔ Fish & Shrimp Food – Many species love to nibble on it ✔ Super Easy to Grow – Thrives in almost any conditions Ideal For: Natural-looking tanks Breeding setups (provides cover for fry) Outdoor ponds Turtle and goldfish tanks (as supplemental food) Plant Description: Duckweed is the world's smallest flowering plant, forming a bright green carpet on your water's surface. Each plant consists of 1-3 small oval leaves (fronds) with tiny roots hanging below. Key Features: Leaf Size: 1/16" to 1/8" (2-5mm) Root Length: 1/4" to 1/2" (5-15mm) Growth Pattern: Forms dense mats that double every 2-3 days Care & Maintenance Guide 🌿 Getting Started Rinse gently before adding to your tank Spread evenly across water surface Watch it grow - will cover surface quickly! 💡 Optimal Growing Conditions Factor Requirement Light Any (from low to high) Temperature 50-86°F (10-30°C) pH 5.0-7.5 Nutrients Thrives in nutrient-rich water ⚠️ Important Notes: Grows extremely fast - remove excess weekly Can block light - leave some open areas Use a feeding ring to keep areas clear for fish feeding Benefits for Your Aquarium ✅ Natural Filtration: Removes harmful waste compounds ✅ Oxygen Production: Boosts dissolved oxygen levels ✅ Stress Reduction: Provides security for shy fish ✅ Food Source: Loved by goldfish, tilapia, and shrimp Controlling Duckweed Growth While beneficial, duckweed can grow too well. Here's how to manage it: Weekly Harvesting: Scoop out excess with a fine net Surface Skimmer: Helps control spread Partial Water Changes: Reduces nutrient levels Pro Tip: Use excess duckweed as compost or chicken feed! Compatibility & Tank Mates ✔ Great With: Betta fish (loves the cover) Shrimp and fry (protection and food) Goldfish and koi (natural snack) ❌ May Not Work With: Strong surface agitation (gets pushed under) Fish that eat plants rapidly (like some cichlids)