Who Gives A Fish Forums

sSjey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 04, 2023 4:16 pm I've got Phyllanthus fluitans in both my tanks and it's a real grower - I'm talking handfuls to throw away every couple of weeks.

Moderate surface agitation in my 29G from 2 HOBs - would they handle it okay?

cichlidgirl22 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:55 am I'm stuck choosing a floating plant for my 20g tank and I need your help. Can't decide on just one, so I'll let you guys pick. Post your suggestions and I'll make a poll with all the options - the most voted one wins.

Before we decide on the best floating plant, we should consider the fish species in the tank. For instance, Salvinia was mentioned and it's a great option, I personally have it in one of my tanks. However, if the tank has gourami, they require more substantial floating plants. Larger plants like Water Sprite, Water Lettuce, or Frogbit provide better shade.

It's surprising Water Sprite isn't in the poll, as it's probably the best floating plant overall. It's extremely effective at providing shade, creating habitat for upper-level fish, and maintaining good water quality.

Water Sprite is top choice for me, it's a versatile plant that thrives in most tanks and has the added benefit of being able to be planted in the substrate, providing a natural habitat for my fish. I've found other floating plants to be a bit finicky, and the fact that they can't be planted in the substrate is a major drawback.

On a cold and snowy afternoon, I'm reminded of a great floating plant option - Guppy Grass.

sSjey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 04, 2023 4:16 pm I've got Phyllanthus fluitans in both my tanks and it's a real grower - I'm talking handfuls to throw away every couple of weeks.

Thanks for the helpful info, and I have to chuckle at the heatwave part - I can almost imagine the plants just giving up in the 'cool' mid-80s temps.

I'm with boomer and coltin on this one - Water Sprite, especially the ceratopteris cornuta, is hands down the best floating plant I've come across. I've had a bunch of others - Water Lettuce, Salvinia, Frogbit, Red Root Floaters, Duckweed, and Guppy Grass - and none of them have delivered like Water Sprite. In fact, it's the only one I still have in my tank.

Keep all the floating plants, but separate the red roots - they have a slower growth rate and my duckweed is overpowering them.

I've decided on water sprite - any advice on how to care for them and how much to get?

cichlidgirl22 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:55 am I'm stuck choosing a floating plant for my 20g tank and I need your help. Can't decide on just one, so I'll let you guys pick. Post your suggestions and I'll make a poll with all the options - the most voted one wins.

For optimal growth, Water Sprite will appreciate decent lighting, ideally in the 5000K-6500K spectrum. A comprehensive liquid fertilizer would be beneficial, as this plant grows rapidly and requires more nutrients. Upon introduction to your tank, it may take a couple of weeks for the plant to adjust to its new environment. Simply let it float, and it will settle in time. Once established, new plants will begin to form on alternate fronds, which can be gently separated once they reach 2-3 inches in diameter to create new plants. If left attached, the plant will eventually form a dense mat. While one plant should suffice, I would recommend starting with a couple to be on the safe side.

If it does well, you can also plant some in the substrate.