Choosing between frogbit and water sprite

[oceanwise]

I'm setting up a new 10g tank for my betta and some ghost shrimp, and I'm torn between frogbit and water sprite as a floating plant. Water sprite seems like the lower-maintenance option, but I've heard frogbit can be really pretty. Does anyone know if water sprite blocks less light than frogbit? Also, does anyone have experience using water sprite as a floater and have some pics to share?

I've also got a few other plants in mind, like dwarf sag, crypt wendtii, and some rotala indica. I'm thinking about throwing in some ludwigia repens and a few juncus repens to fill in the gaps. The lighting will probably be medium - I'm not great at judging light levels, so we'll see how it goes.

[StripeSly]

Betta like to swim at the surface so floaters might look nice but also annoying during feeding. Never kept them but I came across some websites that might interest you. Water Sprite is pretty common and easy to care for - it's often sold under different names like Water Fern or Indian Fern due to its fern-like leaves. I found a useful guide on fishkeepingworld.com that covers its care in detail.

I also stumbled upon a helpful article on aquariumtidings.com about Zorchn Frogbit - it seems to be an easy-to-grow floating plant that thrives in most aquarium settings.

What's your pH, by the way? And don't forget to consider snails for your tank.

[boomer]

I've had the pleasure of keeping Frogbit, Water Sprite, and Water Lettuce in my tanks. Of the three, Water Sprite holds a special place in my heart. What I love about it is how it produces new daughter plants on its fronds, making it easy to propagate and maintain. Any of these plants will thrive under good conditions, earning them the nickname "ammonia sinks" due to their rapid growth. In my experience, Anabantids like bettas adore Water Sprite, as they can forage for food in the dangling root masses, just like they do in their natural habitats. Plus, the plants make perfect bubble nest depositories.

[boomer]

I completely agree, and I've found that the Ceratopteris genus has a lot to offer. With five recognized species, one that stands out for floating growth is C. cornuta - it's truly a stunning plant. When given the chance to float, it's a real showstopper. On the other hand, if you choose to root it in the substrate, the leaf shape changes dramatically, and it needs more intense lighting to thrive.

[happyone]

Decided on Water Sprite for my floating plant needs, seems like the best fit.

[boomer]

I'd like to share some information about Water Sprite, also known as Ceratopteris cornuta. This plant originates from tropical regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and northern Australia. It's commonly found in shallow waters, including swamps, pools, and ponds.

In an aquarium setting, Water Sprite can be used as a floating plant or grown rooted in the substrate. When left floating, it can thrive under moderate lighting conditions, but when rooted, it requires more intense lighting. The growth rate of this plant is moderate to rapid, making it an excellent choice for new tanks.

Water Sprite is a versatile plant that can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. It prefers soft to moderately hard water (up to 18 dGH) and a pH range of 5.4 to 8. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 18-28C/64-82F. However, it's essential to maintain stable water parameters, as sudden changes can be detrimental to the plant's health.

One of the benefits of Water Sprite is its ability to assimilate nutrients, including ammonia and ammonium, through its leaves. This makes it an excellent choice for new tanks, as it can help to maintain a healthy environment. The plant's leaves, or fronds, can be variable in shape, depending on the lighting, nutrients, and water parameters.

Water Sprite is also a great choice for providing shelter for fry and small fish. The dangling roots of the floating plant offer a safe haven for these fish to hide and feed. Many fish species, including anabantids and characins, will regularly browse the roots for food particles.

In terms of maintenance, Water Sprite is relatively easy to care for. When left floating, the fronds can extend up to 50 cm (20 inches) across, blocking light from entering the aquarium. This can be beneficial for creating a darker environment, such as for spawning fish. Alternatively, the daughter plants can be separated and used as individual plants, allowing for a more open water surface.

Overall, Water Sprite is an excellent choice for any aquarium, offering a range of benefits and versatility.

[barbie]

I'm setting up a new 10g tank for my betta and some ghost shrimp, and I'm torn between frogbit and water sprite as a floating plant. Water sprite seems like the lower-maintenance option, but I've heard frogbit can be really pretty. Does anyone know if water sprite blocks less light than frogbit? Also, does anyone have experience using water sprite as a floater and have some pics to share?

I've also got a few other plants in mind, like dwarf sag, crypt wendtii, and some rotala indica. I'm thinking about throwing in some ludwigia repens and a few juncus repens to fill in the gaps. The lighting will probably be medium - I'm not great at judging light levels, so we'll see how it goes.

Water Sprite is definitely one of the most beneficial plants for freshwater setups - it's superb for water quality and provides a great sense of security for the fish.

[happyone]

As the dangling roots of the floating Ceratopteris provide great shelter for fry and are used by anabantids that build bubblenests, I was wondering if trimming the roots would have any negative impact on the plant's well-being.

[cichlidgirl22]

I just got both water sprite and frogbit, and I've gotta say, the water sprite is hands down my favorite. The way it creates this "jungle" effect at the waterline is really cool. Plus, being able to plant it in the substrate is a huge bonus.

[happyone]

I just got both water sprite and frogbit, and I've gotta say, the water sprite is hands down my favorite. The way it creates this "jungle" effect at the waterline is really cool. Plus, being able to plant it in the substrate is a huge bonus.

Where did you pick up the water sprite and frogbit, online or local store?