More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | very fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 4°C / 39.20°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 2-21 kh |
| pH Value | 5-9 ph |
| Light | low-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 0-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Duckweed, belonging to the Lemna species, is a small floating aquatic plant commonly found in stagnant or slow-flowing waters around the world. It is often inadvertently introduced into aquariums hidden among other plants. Duckweed is known for its rapid growth and reproductive capabilities, making it a nuisance in aquariums due to its tendency to cover the water surface completely.
Aquarium Suitability
Duckweed is categorized as very easy to care for in an aquarium setting. While it can be used in tanks that mimic natural habitats or for raising fish fry, its prolific growth and shading effects on other plants make it a challenging plant to manage.
Demands and Hardiness
Duckweed is a highly adaptable and undemanding plant that thrives in nutrient-rich water with at least medium lighting. It reproduces mainly through budding and can survive in a wide range of water conditions, including very low pH values and temperatures. However, it can quickly overtake an aquarium, requiring frequent removal to prevent it from dominating the water surface.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquascaping, duckweed can be utilized to provide fish larvae with hiding spots, reduce nitrate levels in the water, and create a natural ambiance with its vertical roots. Despite its benefits, its fast growth rate and tendency to outcompete other plants make it less suitable for traditional aquascaping setups.
Propagation
Duckweed primarily propagates through fragmentation, where daughter plants develop from "bags" on the sides of the parent plant and break off early in their growth cycle.
Habitat and Distribution
Duckweed species like Lemna minor, originating from Central Europe, are commonly found in aquaria worldwide. They have a survival strategy involving the production of starch-containing turions that sink to the bottom during harsh conditions, ensuring their persistence in various habitats.