The answer is yes, you can leave aquarium plants floating in your tank. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before you decide to do so. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of floating plants, as well as some tips on how to care for them and choose the best ones for your aquarium.
Floating plants are plants that do not need to be rooted in the substrate or attached to any surface. They simply float on the water surface, absorbing nutrients and light from above. Some of the benefits of floating plants are:
They provide shade and cover for your fish, especially shy or timid ones. This can reduce stress and aggression among your fish, as well as prevent algae growth by blocking excess light.
They help filter the water by absorbing excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, that can cause algae blooms and water quality issues. They also oxygenate the water by releasing oxygen during photosynthesis.
They add beauty and diversity to your aquarium, creating a natural and lush look. They can also hide unsightly equipment, such as filters and heaters, from view.
They are easy to grow and maintain, as they do not require any special substrate, fertilizers, or CO2 injection. They can also be easily trimmed or removed if they grow too much or block too much light.
Floating plants are not without their drawbacks, however. Some of the disadvantages of floating plants are:
They can block too much light from reaching the plants below, especially if they cover the entire surface of the water. This can stunt the growth and health of your submerged plants, as well as affect the temperature and pH of the water.
They can get tangled with your filter intake or outflow, causing damage or clogging. They can also get sucked into your filter or powerhead, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
They can be invasive and take over your tank, especially if they are fast-growing or reproduce quickly. They can also be hard to remove completely, as some of them can regrow from tiny fragments or seeds.
They can be incompatible with some fish, especially surface dwellers or jumpers, such as bettas, gouramis, or hatchetfish. These fish may feel threatened or annoyed by the floating plants, or may try to jump out of the water and get stuck in them.
How to Care for Floating Plants
If you decide to keep floating plants in your aquarium, here are some tips on how to care for them and avoid potential problems:
Choose the right floating plants for your tank size, lighting, and fish. Some of the most popular and easy-to-grow floating plants are duckweed, frogbit, water lettuce, water hyacinth, salvinia, and hornwort. However, some of them may be illegal or restricted in some states or countries, so check your local laws before buying or importing them.
Provide adequate lighting for your floating plants, but not too much. Floating plants generally prefer moderate to high light, but too much light can cause them to grow too fast or burn. You can use a dimmer or timer to control the intensity and duration of your lighting, or use floating plants that can tolerate low light, such as hornwort or java moss.
Prune and thin out your floating plants regularly, especially if they start to cover more than half of the water surface. This will prevent them from blocking too much light, filtering too much nutrients, or overcrowding your tank. You can either discard the excess plants, or give them away to other hobbyists or pet stores.
Use a ring or barrier to contain your floating plants in a specific area of your tank, such as the back or the sides. This will prevent them from spreading all over the surface, or getting into your filter or equipment. You can use a plastic or metal ring, a suction cup, or a fishing line to create a barrier for your floating plants.
Monitor your water parameters and adjust accordingly. Floating plants can affect the temperature, pH, hardness, and nutrient levels of your water, so you need to test your water regularly and perform water changes as needed. You may also need to supplement your water with fertilizers or buffers, depending on the type and amount of floating plants you have.
Floating plants can be a great addition to your aquarium, as they offer many benefits for your fish and water quality. However, they also have some drawbacks that you need to be aware of and address. By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of floating plants, without the hassle and problems. Happy floating!
