Duckweed has long been considered a nuisance in the aquarium, but lately it has been making a comeback and being used as a beneficial plant. Duckweed is incredibly easy to care for, as it does not require any special lighting or fertilizers, and it is also known for its ability to absorb excess nutrients, making it a great choice for a planted tank. But one of the biggest problems with duckweed is that it can quickly overwhelm a tank, especially if it is not kept in check. So what eats duckweed in an aquarium? Read on to find out.
Common Duckweed Eaters
One of the most common aquatic animals that will eat duckweed are plecos. Plecos are bottom dwelling scavengers that can quickly consume large quantities of duckweed. Other common aquarium inhabitants that will eat duckweed include goldfish, koi, and some types of freshwater shrimp. Even some freshwater snails can do a great job of keeping the duckweed under control, especially if you have a large population.
Using Fish to Control Duckweed
The easiest way to keep duckweed from becoming a problem in your aquarium is to use fish that will eat it. Goldfish, koi, and plecos are all excellent choices for controlling duckweed. It is important to note, however, that goldfish and koi can get quite large and should only be added to larger tanks. If you have a smaller tank, plecos are a better choice as they stay relatively small and will not outgrow the tank.
Manual Removal
Another way to keep duckweed from taking over your aquarium is to manually remove it. This can be done with a net, but you should be careful not to damage or tear any of the other plants in the tank. Once the duckweed is removed, it should be discarded and not put back into the tank or used as food for the fish. Manual removal is best used in combination with other methods, as it can be difficult to keep up with the rapid growth of duckweed.
Chemical Control
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to your duckweed problem, then chemical control may be the answer. There are a few chemicals available on the market that can be used to control duckweed in aquariums. These chemicals usually contain a combination of copper, potassium, and phosphates, and they work by blocking the uptake of nutrients by the duckweed, preventing it from growing. It is important to be careful when using these products, as they can be harmful to fish if used incorrectly.
Using Plants as a Natural Control
If you are looking for a more natural way to control duckweed, then adding some fast-growing plants to your aquarium can be a good option. Plants like hornwort, anacharis, and water sprite can help to out-compete the duckweed for nutrients, slowing its growth and preventing it from taking over. These plants should be added in large numbers, as the more of them you have, the better chance you have of keeping the duckweed in check.
Conclusion
Duckweed can be a great addition to any aquarium, but it can quickly become a problem if it is not kept in check. The best way to control duckweed is to use a combination of manual removal, fish, chemicals, and plants to keep it under control. With a bit of effort, you can have a tank full of healthy plants and fish, free of duckweed.