Duckweed for control of nitrate and "excess nutrients"

letstalkfish

Jack Dempsey
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Feb 12, 2013
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Has anyone ever used duckweed as a means of reducing nitrate and controlling excess nutrients? People bag on it all the time, but I feel like it could be a pretty effective little tool.
 

krichardson

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If Mr.Biglesworth were still here he could tell you all about his adventures with the plant.
 

that_fish_Guy

Peacock Bass
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Jul 29, 2013
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I am wondering the same thing I think it can and will help but it grows out of control very quickly and is hard to keep up at least that's what I've heard and read but I am not sure if its really going to be much help


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krichardson

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The pothos might be a better option.
 

Fat Homer

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I've used water lettuce in the past and i'm sure it helped a fair bit in my 200G... i mean i would like to think, any plants that grow really fast, or reproduce really quickly are likely going to help absorb at least some of the excess nutrients from the water...
 

krichardson

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Agreed...as said earlier,the duckweed can get out of hand with its spreading growth.
 

Fat Homer

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^ I'll agree with the pothos, but anubias ain't going to do much at all sadly... they grow way too slowly... instead, they will probably end up covered in algae before they remove enough of the excess nutrients...
 

CoryWentland

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It might sound crazy, but I've always wanted to give duckweed a try. I like the nutrient values as well as it makes the lighing appear in an aquarium. I mean whjat even are the disadvantages of duckweed besides it growing out of control? Haha
 

brich999

Jack Dempsey
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i think its too small to control well. my buddy said it ended up in his filters and everywhere. look into maybe frogsbit or water lettuce for floating plants. i really like frogsbit and will probably end up using some on my rimless tank for many reasons
 
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