Floating plants are basically aquatic plants that can be found in ponds, lakes, rivers, etc. These low light floating aquarium plants seem like sponge. Their bodies have end number of empty (vacant) spaces throughoutwhich get filled with air. This is one of the sole reason why these plants are able to float in water as they are so light. It is often seen that the roots of these plants are attached in the substrate or are floating in the water column.
Some floating pond plants are;
- American Featherfoil
- Azolla ( Mosquito fern)
- Bladderwort
- Common Salvinia
- Dotted Duckweed
- Duckweed
- Giant Duckweed
Reasons why you need to keep floating plants.
- Many people have started using them as a piece of biological ecosystems within their aquariums rather than just decorative items. They are better for shrimp tanks, Nanoaquaria, and betta tanks.
- Floating aquarium plants provide with shades, aeration, etc. They also help in filtration, protection and prevention.
- They add to the look of your aquarium as it helps in shaping your tank with a look that’s more on the wilder side.
- Floating plants can also be used as a alternative for food for the survival of humans.
- These plants are a water gardeners best friend , they help him or her to naturally starve the algae and discourage it, which in return helps to keep your pond clean without the added greenery. In short they help reduce the growth of algae in the aquarium.
- Floating plants also seem to be beneficial to the fishes.