Search results for query: Duckweed Index

Hi all, That is looking really good. I've done something similar with. cheers Darrel

You could simply cut off the infested roots. It won’t harm the frogbit - I regularly cut their roots back hard because in shallower tanks they get too long & root into the substrate if left untrimmed.

So with the new leaves being green, and the older ones are yellowing, this would suggest nitrogen?

...There are some issue with water testing kits, that the vendors don't tell you about, have a look through the link above <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> and linked threads. At the most basic level the "plants can't lie", but <"the test kit can">. Probably not, if it becomes an...

Why take out some of the matrix? For better flow? It originally had 2 filter pads and 4 trays of biological filtration. I took 1 pad out and instead added more matrix to the tray. I figured more biological filtration wouldn't hurt.

Hi all, You often get a bloom of Diatoms in a new tank, usually they subside naturally. Some snails would help, I like <"self sustaining snails">, and always have MTS (Melanoides tuberculata), Red Ramshorn (Planorbella duryi) and Tadpole snail (Physella acuta) in the tanks. I'd probably take...

Hi all, That looks pretty unhealthy, I'm pretty sure it isn't a flow issue but is a nutrient issue. The problem is "which nutrient"? <"When the Duckweed Index breaks down>." cheers Darrel

...I am doing a water change 50% weekly and reprenish the nutrients after the water change. I am planning to get floating plants as per duckweed index, eventho the last try did not end up successfully - they either gradually melted away or were eaten by fish - not sure. Anybody has any idea...

Hi all, Back to the <"aerial advantage">, your Aroids, Bromeliads and Ferns will all be plants that can get by on <"petrol fumes"> and they've starved out the floaters. cheers Darrel

...long as their <"rhizomes are intact">. Which fertiliser? They aren't all the same, and many "Aquarium Fertilisers" <"aren't really fertilisers">. I use the Duckweed Index <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">, but you can use a <"fraction of Estimative Index (EI) dosing">. cheers...

Hi all, Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is pretty flat - <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. I think your Cryptocoryne wendtii <"https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/4564/4564"> will fill in enough to be a "background plant". I agree with Andy, I think Littorella...

...have different needs to Ottos. My final final point would be (and this is just a personal view) its less faff and much better to use a clean up crew of snails, shrimp, and the duckweed index to help you manage your tank. Keep Ottos only because you like them and the algae eating is a added...

...be expected so the ferts won't have had as much chance to build up to useful levels even if they are still "good". I've read the "duckweed index" megathread and peered closely at the nutrient deficiency diagrams. I think what I'm seeing are deficiencies in some of the mobile nutrients - the...

Hi all, Welcome to UKAPS, I can see what you mean. Frogbit is actually the indicator plant that I use for the "Duckweed Index"- <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">, and, looking at your image, this (below) is <"where I think we are">. I'm pretty sure it is a non-mobile nutrient, and...

...salts. We can only keep iron plant available by using an iron chelate <"FE EDDHA">. Using a chelate would allow you to dose less frequently, have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> and @keef321's before and after photos in <"Cloudy Water Hazy Water and Algae!">. cheers Darrel

Thanks Darrel! Funny enough I picked up a lovely Anubias Coffeefolia from Aquarium Gardens yesterday and I absolutely love it!

...a bit. Same for me. Have a look at "Seasoned Tank Time": Access to aerial CO2 is a real advantage, have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> & <"Using stem plants as a filtering aid at Start Up!">. You probably will have some "fixed nitrogen". There are a number of issues...

...that I hadn’t fished out yet - I had some Salvinia, but the flow of old was pulling it into the water, leading me to remove it. The duckweed index pops up a lot when looking through the forum, and with a newly installed spray bar, it’s seems like a no brainier when looking to my next...

...to UKAPS, I like your username: In terms of the plants: Anything you like from the <"plant details - Tropica Aquarium Plants"> "Easy" range. You might also be interested in <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> & <"Using stem plants as a filtering aid at Start Up!">. cheers Darrel

A 'win' for the Duckweed index - I noticed some of my frogbit looking a bit peaky. Checked my auto-dosing and the macros line is blocked with crystallised ferts. No Macros getting through. Ugh! No idea how long it's been like that. After clearing the lines with a bent wire coat hanger...

Thanks ☺️ I’ve already found Darrel’s duckweed index thread, greedily gorged upon it and ordered some Amazon Frogbit 😁

...the "does it look ok> if so> leave it" approach, which works well alongside the"time and plants" approach. There are things like the duckweed index (see featured articles) that are easy visual guides for healthy plants, rather than you fine-tuning micronutrients etc. in my experience if you...

Thanks. Now that knowing diatoms can grow with low light, i should be increasing lighting with ease since there no other algae but diatoms. I cant put floating plants in the tank tho since i have wave maker to make O2 and circulate CO2 throughout the tank, those floating plants will be pushed...

...- NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory"> and will also act as a "net curtain" (light diffuser) if required. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. Snails are massively your friend in helping combat algae "issues". Ramshorn (<"Planorbella duryi">) eggs are pretty...

Agree re deep bodied tetra! Would marble hatchet fish be suitable? I know they are jumpers, but they would look excellent with the angel fish :) I'm also pro floating plants, partly because of the duckweed index and partly because I think angel fish would look awesome swimming through the roots.

...a look at Stephan Tanner's article (linked below). That tells you that you have plenty of nutrients. It is one advantage of the <"Duckweed Index">, you don't need to add nutrients until the plants indicate that you need to. Probably in a positive way. A lot of specialist Cryptocoryne...

...understand that is probably a minority view. I have thought about collating a "cycling" guide (in much the same way as <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">), partially the reason I haven't is that scientific advances are occurring so rapidly, and partially it is because "cycling" is a...

Hi all, any idea what's going on here? Have had a look on the duckweed index and not entirely sure. I'm thinking it's necrotic spotting but again, not sure what from. Ive recently added large water lettuce that I think may be monopolising the ferts. It could also be related to the new lack of...

Hi all, That is a distinct possibility, and one of the reasons why I've gone away from attempting empirical measurement of some parameters. There is a more complete discussion in <"Testing and What to Test">, but it was difficulties in accurately measuring nitrate (NO3-) levels that led...

...to do with measurement (and the pH mediated change from NH4+ to NH3) and not to do with actual levels. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> Dr Ryan Newton talks about about the microbes that occur in aquarium filters, and where they come from, in <"Correspondence with...

Hi all, any idea what's going on here? Have had a look on the duckweed index and not entirely sure. I'm thinking it's necrotic spotting but again, not sure what from. Ive recently added large water lettuce that I think may be monopolising the ferts. It could also be related to the new lack of...

...a measure of nutrient content., it does away with the need for testing. <"I'm not anti-testing">, but I'm not going to <"make decisions"> based on the <"result of a test kit">, if other signs don't support that decision. Have a look at: <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. cheers Darrel

...ion selective electrode">, if you really want an empirical measurement. Yes. I'm not an unbiased observer, but I would recommend the Duckweed Index <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. It is based on <"The scientific background to the "Leaf Colour Chart""> and if that is good enough...

Hi all, Welcome to UKAPS, I'm pleased you found it, I'm probably absurdly proud of it. It isn't exactly mine, it is a bit of a <"cut and paste job really">, from multiple sources. That is one advantage of a visual method, <"you can scan a lot of information relatively quickly">. I know a...

Hi all, while searching the web for easy and practical ways of fertilizing I stumbled upon Darrel's duckweed index, almost unknown or at least not very popular at all in this country. Some folks mix their own ferts, some might dose by eyeballing of some sorts....most go by lots of testing water...

Thanks so much for this, I'm not actively adding ammonia - it's climbed a tiny bit with a few naturally shedding decaying leaves (i assume) but its not high, ive also read that its not necessary but so many hobbyists swear by it I've fallen into looking out for it. Although its very early days...

Hi all, You are welcome. Give it a go, and if it works (and I'm confident it will) tell other people. I think that both the "Duckweed Index" and "plant and wait" <"Another cycling video from the Aquarium Co-Op"> have gained a bit more traction recently <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all...

...plant is Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium (Hydrocharis) laevigatum), mainly because it has a <"leaf green"> leaf and you can use it in the "Duckweed Index" <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. If you are? you don't need to add ammonia (NH3) to cycle your tank. Just change some water to get...

Hi all, Probably just give it a little less light as the days lengthen? @foxfish has some really old Paphiopedilum plants <"Show your orchids!">, so he may be able to advise. cheers Darrel

...flower! Just one little question though: their leaves seem pale to me (more than showing on the picture). I’m familiar with Darrel’s Duckweed Index. Should I increase the nutrients ppm? Less light (as it sits next to a east facing window in the Netherlands), or maybe someone have another...

Hi all, You don't actually need to have an ammonia source in a planted tank. Have a look at <"Correspondence with Dr Ryan Newton - School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee"> it is about as good as we've got at the moment. I agree, I'm much keener on <"tank maturity">...

Hi all, I think a lot of people end up here. I look on <"slow growth as an asset">, mainly because it gives you some <"wriggle room"> when life intrudes - <"High tech with low maintenance- looking for inspiration">. I'd always recommend people start off with "Easy" plants <"plant details -...

Hi, Sorry, for the late response. computer issues. I've adjusted up the CO2 and it is a healthy green now. For info, my KH is 15.8. High, but I live in the chalky Wiltshire countryside. I've had many a discussion with Darrel (@dw1305) on this. See Water chemistry/KH and GH of my tap water. Yes...

...they export, the shade they provide, the reduction in CO2 lost, and floating plants are good indicators of nutrient deficiency - the 'duckweed index', I've generally seen skimmers used on tanks with a clear surface. If you pump in enough CO2 I am sure skimmers have something to add to the...

...Indian fern and frogbit to cushion the tank during the initial stages and give you a visual guide to any deficiencies, the so-called duckweed index. I still use floating plants on a system in its 7th year. But I use very high light and a lot of CO2 and lean dosing. That is my choice of...

I think your tank looks great, really good. I personally am sceptical that you have any nutrient deficiency in your tank (from what I can see) but the key is to look at new leaves (and the 'Duckweed' index, floating plants almost 'talk'). Old leaves become algae magnets, and leaves grown in...

Hi all, My frogbit i use in my duckweed index container for my tank has been having this problem the past few months. It has these dry/burnt looking web patterns growing on it. As you can see the red root floaters growing right next to it are growing just fine with no problems. I may be wrong...

I completely agree with you Darel. But my lack of skill and lack of patience leads to algae outbreak, especially Staghorn, so running it without CO2 really hard :D. I dont mind to spend 3-4 hours per week on maintenance, so probably I will add some steam plants, but not the entire aquarium :D.

Hi all, I'd try that, or the <"Duckweed Index">. If you are set on CO2, you could always use a lower CO2 level (~15 ppm). I think @Marcel G is an advocate of this. I would really want <"slow growing"> rosette plants, otherwise the <"maintenance requirement"> is going to be immense. Personally...

Hi all, It looks a pretty good start. You can link in threads like <"Soil Substrate or Dirted Tank - A How to Guide">, <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> & <"EI DOSING USING DRY SALTS">, all from <"Articles / Tutorials">. You could just put in a link to the Tropica web-site <"plant...

...is also good, can fairly quickly deplete the water column of Nitrate and Phosphate and show deficiency signs, the so-called Duckweed Index. With medium light and a rich substrate and either no CO2 injection or modest injection (water column <10 ppm of CO2, but >5 ppm) I would guess with...

Are you trying to give me a heart attack! I honestly find duckweed a curse. I believe it actually likes more nutritious or in more prosaic terms, agriculturally polluted waters - run off from the fields of excessive Nitrate and Phosphate - than most of the plants we normally grow. My vote for...

Hi all, Looks like Lemna minor. In terms of rapid leaf production and growth rate, Lemna minor is still the best duckweed for the "Duckweed Index" in most cases. I don't think they will be eaten, growth rate should give you a pretty good proxy for nutrient content. cheers Darrel

...several new threads. Many will now turn away in horror, while others will jump for joy. I have got myself a few duckweeds. I suspect it's Lemna minor. I can now also take part in the Duckweed Index. 😉 I expect them to double within a week, if they are not eaten by the snails or shrimps.

...limiting growth. If growth is limited by one of the other parameters? It won't make any difference. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. I'm guessing that is actually some of your problem, basically you can use a lot less (whatever Seachem tell you). While we are on...

...composition of the rhizosphere microbiome to facilitate nutrient uptake, basically roots are just leaky structures. Originally the <"Duckweed Index"> actually used an emergent plant <"Why a rooted emergent plant would have been optimal">, rather than a floating one. It had to be a plant with...

...them. Keith originally contacted me via PM (below) And it would be fair to say that I certainly wasn't offended, in fact quite the opposite, the improvement was better than I could have ever imagined and that is why I patched them into <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> cheers Darrel

...compounds <"My first adventure into aquascaping - Aquael 125L Walstad">. That one. Siderophores <"Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) phytoremediation references">. Perfect summary, @Genahanney have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> and subsequent posts. cheers Darrel

...than Lemna minor, and more shade tolerant - <"Removing Duckweed (Lemna minuta) - any natural solutions?">. That is an <"advantage"> and why it was the original plant for the Duckweed Index, and this is its disadvantage for the Duckweed Index - <"When duckweed takes over">. cheers Darrel

...do you have? You may be able to carry on using the mix, but just use less of it. I use @Happi's mix, but <"lean dosed">, via the <"Duckweed Index">. <"Phosphate (PO4---) tests"> should be reasonably good, but <"nitrate (NO3-) testing"> is more problematic, <"so I use leaf colour and growth...

Hi all, What @ElleDee says. Unfortunately it is a "yes" and "no" answer <""Aquarium Science" has some new planted tank articles"> - <"Eutrophication drives regime shift via changes in stoichiometric homeostasis-based submerged macrophyte assemblages - npj Clean Water">. The way I look at is...

Just look at my old post and yes you did tell me so 😂😂😂

Thanks Darrel, I will take a look at those threads later, I am definitely going to keep the floaters (amazon frogbit and dwarf water lettuce) as I do feel they are a real benefit and will also shade out some of the slower plants I will add such as anubias.

...I've gone down, basically the <"slower growing the better"> and just <"floating plant(s)"> as my stems. They will, you can either follow @G mac's approach, although it would be reliant on your tap water supplying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), or just use the <"Duckweed Index">. cheers Darrel

...with a minimal addition of <"clay and leaf-mold"> & <"natural red clay?">. I feed the plants from the <"water column"> via the Duckweed Index and I don't tend to disturb the substrate, for the reasons explained in <"Aquarium Biofiltration - SWISSTROPICALS"> & <"Gradually losing my pygmy...

I do use Seachem Prime actually, it never occurred to me that this could interfere with readings. Maybe I’ll try another conditioner, maybe API and see if I still see a small amount of ammonia?

Hi all, Do you Prime or similar as your water conditioner? If you do it may interfere with TAN ammonia test kit readings. It could be that the plants are very efficiently removing <"all forms of fixed nitrogen"> from your tank, but it is more likely <"to be the test kit">. Both Estimative...

...Personally I wait until the plants show deficiency symptoms and / or <"growth slows"> to a very low level <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">, but others will add nutrients on a more regular basis, to ensure that mineral nutrient availability doesn't limit plant growth. There isn't...

...starting in the crypts , which is a good sign . The only thing I’m not particularly pleased about is how the tank’s doing re: the duckweed index . The floaters are doing great , but the accursed duckweed has reared it head . Must have been a molecule that followed the floaters over from a...

...55 years in the hobby, is don't buy fertilisers in fish shops, go to the garden centre, but keep an eye out for deficiency signs - Duckweed Index - and for goodness sake don't add so much fertiliser to a CO2 injected tank that you get eutrophication, which in my experience starts with Nitrate...

...grass growth, with <"sequestered iron">, is back to the <"assembly line nature of plant growth">. That is one reason why I like the Duckweed Index, it is a visual method and doesn't <"require any prior knowledge">, just the ability to differentiate between <"different shades of green">...

...spp.) can be a bit of a "mixed blessing" - <"Curious case of no Nitrates? Expert opinion needed.">. I'd already christened the <"Duckweed Index"> as the "Duckweed Index" before I started using Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium (Hydrocharis) laevigatum), but, with hind-sight, a re-christening as...

The view from above. Each tank looks something like this. I`m sorry, I have no duckweed. Only salvinia auriculata. For more information, see the Duckweed Index here.

...change volume to try and get rid of any traces of TAN as soon as possible. I like a floating plant to help with this <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. You don't have to keep it once the tank is more stable. Have a look at <"Looking for plant suggestion for my next Aquascape"> and...

Thanks Darrel, is it possible to tell how long would it take to see improvement, after the deficiency is fixed? I am planning to up the dosage for PO4, so I am wondering how long should I wait until I can rule PO4 deficiency out and move to the next element.

Hi all, They definitely don't look happy. Because it is the older leaves showing the symptoms it is a plant mobile nutrient, unfortunately there are quite a lot of those. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. cheers Darrel

Looks great both as a planted composition and in the context of the room as a complementary focal point - algae might not prove a problem with CO2, sensible use of nutrients etc., though personally I would leave the skimmer out until the tank is mature and use lots of floating plants for at...

...7 hours a day, plenty of floating plants, good CO2 levels and keep an eye out for nutrient deficiencies - check the theads on the Duckweed Index, just don't put any duckweed in the tank! Lots of floating plants are much easier to manage, Hornwort, Indian Fern and my favourite, Fogbit. Well...

...know it is difficult but, just at the moment, you probably need to concentrate on plant health. I really like a picture <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. Also do you have a plant list? Some "aquarium" plants are much better suited to <"life under water"> than others. I'd...

...years">. In fact I'm going to save it for a rainy day (and <"pass it of as my own">), although I may need to practice first. The <"Duckweed Index"> ("shared community object") as both an installation and <"translation of my our artistic vision">. In fact the "perfect*" <"synthesis of art...

...and an artist simultaneously. As a community we are able to do this through the creation of artefacts which are reified: the duckweed index for example is a tool, an artefact which is an ideal form (it has no physical essence) but which is used by 'artists' to access knowledge derived from...

...be lost, or was ever in danger of being lost. Don't worry, it was never ever the case, nor will it ever be so. Darrel @dw1305 you will never be faced with the problem of having to find a new home for your Duckweed Index. Anyway, @UKAPS Committee I await your answers, hopefully sooner than later.

...acceptable plant growth. You can <"use it as a source of potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)">. You can use them up, I would. Not really, I don't worry too much about dosing a set amount of fertiliser, I just use the <"Duckweed Index">. That is what the forum is for. Cheers Darrel

...This means that <"Liebig's limiting nutrient"> is a nutrient that is mobile within the plant. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?"> and subsequent posts in that thread. @PARAGUAY's advice, the only thing I'd add would be some <"Epsom Salts"> (MgSO4.7H2O), cheap to buy...

...<"This orchid has decided to choose life"> and now looks quite healthy (on an occasional slosh of dilute Solufeed). I still use a <"Duckweed Index"> approach with the house, and container, plants. Any plants that are stronger growers ("have a greater potential growth rate") (Chilli, Tomato...

I would be happy to have some fast growing plants. My concern is the plants that you cut are left with thick leafless stems

...testing away from the lab. Both were developed (entirely independently) to do away with a nitrate measurement requirement. I like the Duckweed Index, simply because the "plants can't lie". Since I started working with Ecologists I've been a lot more open to the advantages <"biotic...

Thank you I had bad experience with newly grown tissue culture of Anibias. Those plants melted. But grown up Anibias plants survived it, but based on my experience. I won't rush up with Anubias. Yes Buce Phelandra is bit sensitive so I will use it once the tank is fully cycled. What background...

...<"Cryptocoryne spp."> for that role. I'd recommend a quick growing plant for start-up, I'm a floating plant obsessive <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">, but there are other options - <"Using stem plants as a filtering aid at Start Up!">. Personally I wouldn't add the aroids...

Thanks Darrel. So no need to take into account water reports or add additional chemicals like some recipes here? Incidentally, I water change with RODI water and do not add any remineralization salts on the basis that I'm adding enough magnesium in my weekly ferts and my Seriu stone gives off...

...but is much more tolerant of lean dosing and soft water etc. <"Salvinia auriculata group"> would be equally suitable for the "Duckweed Index" if it had a <"leaf green"> frond, because of the hairs it is more difficult to judge the intensity of <"greeness">. Indian Fern (Ceratopteris spp.)...

...long ago. All you need to do is follow the recipe, and just change the volume of solution added dependent upon the size of your tank, so 10 ml for a 90 litre tank etc. You can dose a set amount (lean dose or EI etc.) or use the <"Duckweed Index">, it is infinitely flexible. cheers Darrel

Hi all, Iron (Fe) is definitely a <"two-edged sword">, and you just need to have a <"Goldilocks zone"> amount. One issue is that, if you have a large excess of iron ions in solution <"you can start to precipitate out"> phosphate (PO4---) etc. This is the<" mode of action"> of Phosban etc. The...

...growth in both high-tech and low-tech set-ups including with floating plants in the low-tech - in my case Salvinia minima What is the “Duckweed Index” all about? - and just because I could I boosted up the levels of iron further with super-high-tech Fe-EDDHSA. I'm pretty sure that was...

Will do. This may be a silly question but the Chempack Iron you mention says it is harmful to aquatic life - I assume that’s not strictly true if I’m able to add it to my tank? I have seen the Seachem Flourish Iron isn’t a chelate, is that no good?

Hi all, Thanks @Zeus. I know you are "the man that can" in these situations - <"TNC Complete Aquarium Plant Food & Nutrients 500ml">. That is the real problem, sorting out <"the wheat from the chaff">, particularly when there are lots of <"magic bullet vendors">, who are just after your money...

...is because iron isn't mobile within the plant and as soon as it becomes unavailable <"chlorotic new growth occurs">. Have a look at <"Duckweed Index says Nitrogen please?">. I probably would. Another other option is some FeEDDHA, which means you can use the <"pink tint method">. cheers Darrel

...happy with the scape now and hardware and I’ll add a pic to my journal at some point. I’m looking at getting some frogbit to start trying the Duckweed index but I’m going to have to find a way of keeping it out of the flow but still within the reach of the lighting. This is all fun and games!

...of the substrate begins to become exhausted. This is because iron forms a <"lot of insoluble compounds"> in harder, more alkaline water. Have a look at <"What is the “Duckweed Index” all about?">. Personally I just dose the water column, have a look at <"Root tab ingredients?">. cheers Darrel

Amazon Frogbit on order!