Floating Plants.....

[Peanut_Power]

I'm wanting to get some duckweed, watersprite, water lettuce and so on for my tankz. I'm worried about them gettin sucked into my over flow and down into the filter, which is not where i want them, or having them all be bunched up in a corner of the tank where the water circulation pushes them. I've done duckweed in a 20gal tank before, was great, only problem was when i did a water change and added new water, the duckweed would get sucked up into the filter and clog it.

Is there any way to prevent this? Any suggestions? I really like the stuff, its great for giving a covered appearance and makin the fish feel comfy, plus uses up a lot of excess nutrients in the tank. Any input would be appreciated! Thankz!!

-PP

 

[spinnerbayt]

I would just use larger Water Sprite plants if that is the look you are wanting. Large clumps of Water Sprite can grow some massive roots and look great in a big tank.

 

[Timpon]

Use a large floating feeding ring.

Cut out a section to fit around the overflow, and glue it in place. This prevents the floating plants from getting sucked in.

 

[fishyz]

I would just use larger Water Sprite plants if that is the look you are wanting. Large clumps of Water Sprite can grow some massive roots and look great in a big tank.

Larger plants won't ge sucked into the filter.

 

[Chuckeff]

I have an overflow pipe on my aqaurium and also a mesh screen wrapped around it to keep fish and plants from visiting the filter. So far, it has worked pretty good except for the occasional fry and small otto's.

 

[Timpon]

I have an overflow pipe on my aqaurium and also a mesh screen wrapped around it to keep fish and plants from visiting the filter. So far, it has worked pretty good except for the occasional fry and small otto's.

How big is your mesh?

I ask because wouldn't the mesh stop wastes from being sucked into the filter as well?

 

[Chuckeff]

It looks to be about 1/4 inch square holes in it. Also, the mesh wraps around the side of the return pipe(Like a drink huggie does) and sticks above the pipe about an inch. I tried just covering the top of the pipe with mesh, but too much stuff clogged it up and the water nearly overflowed the aquarium. Hope I explained it ok.

 

[AlanSousa]

yeah i have problems with clumping where the current drags my sprite. I'd ditch the duckweed. Your other plants will be happy because duckweed is a phosphorous vacuum and grows uncontrollably and is a master at clogging vital filters and stuff. but i love sprite. the big-leafed one. In my 55G, i had a single dinky sprite plant i snuck into the bag with a fish grow to over half the size of the tank... ANYWAY I didnt even think about a screen over the overflow but it seems like a really solid suggestion. thats my 2 cents... hope it helps.