Duckweed

Zanzag

Peacock Bass
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How does duckweed rate as a diet suppliment? Mostly for my cichlids but my tetras get a bunch when they eat their flakes off the surface.
 

Jmahn

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Dec 31, 2017
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i also throw some into my Buenos aires tetras I think plant matter is a important part of many fishes diets id say its a good add to a staple diet obv wouldn't just feed that but they seem to nibble on it more during fasting day once a week
 

duanes

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I used it for vegetarian cichlids like Cincelichthys bocourti, and pearsei, and for Etroplus suratensus.
I don't know about nutritional value, but it seemed good at clearing the gut, which I feel is important for those vegetarians fed pellets rather higher in protein than these fish have evolved to consume on a regular basis.

I did grow it in my tanks, and not use it from wild areas where it might contain paracites or their eggs.
 
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RD.

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When collected fresh, approx. 90+% water content (a non-nutrient), high in carbs, ash, and fiber, the latter being what Duane was referring to. As far as actual nutrient content, including protein/fat/minerals etc, that would be dependent on the water they are grown out in, so that will obviously vary.

But I agree, all fish, even those that are classified as carnivorous, should be consuming some aquatic plant matter on a regular basis. I supplement mine with dry aquatic based commercial food, I would personally never introduce duckweed to a tank due to the mess it can make if not kept under control. That, and the nutrient levels are a lot higher when aquatic plant matter is fed on a dry matter basis, vs fresh.

For reference:


 

Zanzag

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I love the stuff for my goldie, its fun to listen to him slurp it for the next few days so to me its so worth the mess
 

esoxlucius

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When collected fresh, approx. 90+% water content (a non-nutrient), high in carbs, ash, and fiber, the latter being what Duane was referring to. As far as actual nutrient content, including protein/fat/minerals etc, that would be dependent on the water they are grown out in, so that will obviously vary.

But I agree, all fish, even those that are classified as carnivorous, should be consuming some aquatic plant matter on a regular basis. I supplement mine with dry aquatic based commercial food, I would personally never introduce duckweed to a tank due to the mess it can make if not kept under control. That, and the nutrient levels are a lot higher when aquatic plant matter is fed on a dry matter basis, vs fresh.

For reference:


Good god RD, there's more trace minerals and nutrients in duckweed than there is in my "fortified with minerals" breakfast cereal! I hope Kelloggs don't get wind of this! :grinyes:
 

TwoHedWlf

Potamotrygon
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Mar 2, 2017
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Good god RD, there's more trace minerals and nutrients in duckweed than there is in my "fortified with minerals" breakfast cereal! I hope Kelloggs don't get wind of this! :grinyes:
If you've got a big enough pond I bet you could feed yourself off duckweed. Maybe collect it, dry it and grind it into a kind of flower, or press it into pellets...
 
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