The most common reason for floating aquarium plants melting is a lack of nutrients, especially iron and potassium. Floating plants rely on absorbing nutrients from the water column, and if they are deprived of these essential elements, they will start to decay and disintegrate. Other possible causes of melting include low light, high temperature, poor water quality, and herbivorous fish.
In this article, we will explore the different factors that can affect the health and growth of floating aquarium plants, and how to prevent and treat melting. We will also provide some tips on choosing the best floating plants for your aquarium, and how to care for them properly.
Floating aquarium plants are plants that do not need to be rooted in the substrate, and instead float on the surface of the water. They can be divided into two categories: true floaters and stem plants.
True floaters are plants that have adapted to live entirely on the water surface, and have no roots or only very short ones. Some examples of true floaters are duckweed, frogbit, water lettuce, salvinia, and azolla.
Stem plants are plants that can grow either submerged or emerged, and have long roots that hang down in the water. Some examples of stem plants are hornwort, water wisteria, water sprite, and cabomba.
Floating plants have many benefits for aquariums, such as:
Providing shade and cover for fish and invertebrates
Reducing algae growth by competing for nutrients and light
Improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and toxins
Adding oxygen and carbon dioxide to the water
Enhancing the natural beauty and diversity of the aquarium
How to prevent floating plants from melting
To prevent floating plants from melting, you need to provide them with the optimal conditions for their growth and survival. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
Nutrients
Floating plants need a balanced supply of macro and micro nutrients to thrive. The most important nutrients for floating plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium. You can supplement these nutrients by using a liquid fertilizer designed for aquarium plants, such as Seachem Flourish or API Leaf Zone. Follow the instructions on the product label, and adjust the dosage according to the needs of your plants and the size of your aquarium.
Floating plants need adequate light to perform photosynthesis and produce energy. However, too much light can also cause problems, such as algae growth, bleaching, and burning. The ideal light intensity and duration for floating plants depends on the species, but generally, you should aim for 6 to 8 hours of moderate to bright light per day. You can use a timer to control the lighting schedule, and adjust the height and wattage of the light source to suit your plants. You can also use floating plants with different light requirements to create a gradient of light in your aquarium, such as placing low-light plants under high-light plants.
Temperature
Floating plants prefer a stable and moderate water temperature, usually between 68°F and 82°F. Extreme fluctuations or deviations from this range can stress the plants and cause them to melt. To maintain a consistent temperature, you can use a heater and a thermometer in your aquarium, and avoid placing it near windows, vents, or other sources of heat or cold.
Water quality
Floating plants are sensitive to the water quality in your aquarium, and can suffer from poor or polluted water. To ensure good water quality, you should perform regular water changes, usually 10% to 20% of the water volume every week or two. You should also use a filter to remove debris, waste, and toxins from the water, and test the water parameters regularly using a kit or strips. The ideal water parameters for floating plants are:
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 10 to 40 ppm
Hardness: 3 to 10 dGH
Carbonate hardness: 3 to 10 dKH
Fish
Some fish can pose a threat to floating plants, either by nibbling on them, uprooting them, or damaging them with their fins. This is especially true for herbivorous fish, such as goldfish, koi, mollies, and cichlids. To avoid this, you should choose fish that are compatible with floating plants, such as tetras, rasboras, danios, guppies, and bettas. You can also use a floating ring or a mesh net to protect your plants from fish.
If your floating plants are already melting, you can try to salvage them by following these steps:
Remove any dead or dying parts of the plants, such as leaves, stems, and roots. Use scissors or your fingers to cut or pinch off the affected parts, and dispose of them properly.
Check the water parameters and the conditions in your aquarium, and make any necessary adjustments or corrections. For example, if the water is too hot, lower the temperature; if the water is too dirty, change the water; if the light is too bright, dim the light; etc.
Add some fertilizer to the water, preferably one that contains iron and potassium, as these are the most likely nutrients to be deficient in floating plants. Follow the instructions on the product label, and do not overdose.
Monitor the plants closely, and look for signs of improvement or recovery. If the plants start to grow new leaves, roots, or stems, that means they are healing. If the plants continue to melt or show no signs of change, that means they are beyond saving, and you should remove them from the aquarium.
How to choose the best floating plants for your aquarium
There are many different types of floating plants available for aquariums, and each one has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. To choose the best floating plants for your aquarium, you should consider the following factors:
The size and shape of your aquarium. Some floating plants are more suitable for large or small tanks, or for tanks with different dimensions or layouts. For example, duckweed and salvinia are good for small tanks, as they are very tiny and can fit in any space. Water lettuce and water hyacinth are good for large tanks, as they are very big and can cover a large area. Hornwort and water sprite are good for tall tanks, as they have long roots that can reach the bottom.
The compatibility with other plants and fish. Some floating plants can coexist well with other plants and fish, while others can cause problems or conflicts. For example, duckweed and water hyacinth can block out the light and nutrients for other plants, and reduce the oxygen levels for fish. Frogbit and water lettuce can provide shade and shelter for other plants and fish, and improve the water quality. Hornwort and water wisteria can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of algae and other plants.
The maintenance and care requirements. Some floating plants are easy to grow and care for, while others are more demanding or challenging. For example, duckweed and salvinia are very easy to grow, as they multiply quickly and need minimal attention. Water lettuce and water hyacinth are more difficult to grow, as they need high light and nutrients, and can be affected by temperature and humidity. Hornwort and water sprite are moderate to grow, as they need moderate light and nutrients, and can adapt to different conditions.
Floating plants are a great addition to any aquarium, as they offer many benefits for the ecosystem and the aesthetics. However, they can also suffer from melting, which is a common problem caused by a lack of nutrients, especially iron and potassium. To prevent and treat melting, you need to provide your floating plants with the optimal conditions for their growth and survival, such as nutrients, light, temperature, water quality, and fish compatibility. You also need to choose the best floating plants for your aquarium, based on the size and shape of your tank, the compatibility with other plants and fish, and the maintenance and care requirements. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of floating plants in your aquarium, and keep them healthy and happy.
