Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I had the kids down at Tomato Lake in Belmont the other week and noticed there was an absolute abundance of what looked like Duckweed growing there.

Now I know the lake is certainly not the healthiest in WA, but I am thinking of grabbing a bucket load of it to feed the silvers, and keep in a sump tank as they are not being used for anything else than holding water at the moment.

I know it may be risky - introducing nasties into a system, but are the risks really that bad? Anyone who has been there knows there are fish, turtles and plenty of birdlife at the lake, I just thought I'd consult before getting my feet wet

Thanks for the update, Urrazeb. I might make a little trip there myself!!! My own duckweed stash basically dried up on me as i forgot about them in a tank.

can be a host for some undesirable types of algae and bacteria.
Particularly over summer where water quality might decline a bit and water temps are higher.
Possibly pick up some snails as well. Maybe parasites.


saw the algae and bacteria mentioned somewhere in a report on Canning River that either Swan River Trust or Dept. Water put out (sorry cannot locate).

certainly would be some level of risk.

If it is a long term venture then you could quarantine it and maybe treat it before actually adding to the FT.
Duckweed is pretty hardy.