Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

There is a little info here on aquatic plants, but nothing discussing actual species. My nitrate levels are always too high, meaning I can't feed my fish enough to grow them out. The tank is bare and boring, so I think plants would liven the place up.

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend some plants that would work in a flood and drain system. So probably the best thing would be a pot on the base of the tank rather than something hanging from above.

The other thing is, it would only receive indirect sunlight .. would anything grow in these conditions. It won't be covered in shade cloth, but the surface of the water is almost always in the shade.

Thanks!

There is always duckweed. It also thrives on ammonia, so it should help with preventing ammonia spikes.

How about adding some reeds, lotus etc?

I'm with Ron, Duckweed or Azolla

Thanks. Yeah duckweed looks like the go for absorbing some excess nutrients. I will check out the reeds and lotus because I was hoping for something the fish can swim through and hide in - any particular type?

Does anyone grow aquatic plants such as anubias, java ferns, bolbitis, etc in their fish tank?
I have some in a shrimp tank that I will be shutting down soon.

What fish have you got? Most fish will end up making a mess of plants, especially silver perch, ate my lotus dow to ground level, then tried digging up the root to eat it..

Haha well guess thats a no. I have silver perch.

Thanks for that EB

Anyone have any luck growing anacharis or other aquatic food plants? I am curious as when I am ready to set up my AP system it makes sense to grow food for myself and my pets, and my turtles love anacharis among other plants.

Xiphos
Anacaris grows so easily that some states in the US have outlawed it as an invasive plant. I can't even order it here in Michigan anymore. Should find that one very easy to grow. My turtles loved the duckweed I put in for them and it is quick and easy also as stated before. Good luck!
Clay

I need to get some duckweed. will it grow in a bucket?

Should do. I've been growing Azolla in a bucket. Just make sure it gets enough sun and has enough nutrients in the water. You probably should change the water in the bucket occasionally.

A large shallow plastic container would probably be better than a bucket

A few more to add to the list...

Water hyacinth (a floating plant) is another extremely worthy aquatic plant if it's allowed in your area. Also Iris (a marginal), arrowhead (aka duck potato... also a marginal), parrot feather (submerged rooted or non-rooted, but puts flowers up above water level).

If I use a shallow container the rain would probably overflow it, but I will give it a shot. should I use liquid plant food to help it grow faster?

You could drill a small drainage hole a couple of centimetres below the lip of the bucket to prevent it overflowing.

Liquid plant food would be fine, as well as compost tea, urine, a glob of manure in the bottom etc. It really won't need much as it grows like a weed as you will see