Caryl Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 I know duckweed can get out of hand in a tank but does it become such a problem in large ponds? I am wondering if I add some to my goldfish pond if it wil help clear the green water (assuming it lasts long enough before the goldfish eat it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 i was kindly given some awhile back and put it in my pond but it only lasted in there not even a week the fish ate it all - It frustrating when everyone complains it being a pest in there tanks - and i can't get it to grow in my pond :evil: I was hoping for it to shade the water I don't think you'll have a problem with it, the fish will keep it under control Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 It can carpet a pond, but it depends on the situation. Not sure what it requires to get like that... presumably still water, strong sun and no duckweed-eating fish (or ducks) I like duckweed in tanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 should be fine i dont think it will take over the pond as fish will eat it - keep goldfish well fed and you may have success growing it in there. its one of those plants, grows well when you dont try not so well when you try :-? possibly try azolla (large duckweed) but that stuff really is a pest takes over lakes something cronic and im not sure if goldfish will eat it but i suspect they do as my mothers pond has been setup for 2-3 years and all surrounding natural waterways (within 100meters or so) are full of it and birds travel between the ponds yet no duckweed/azolla in my mothers pond full of goldfish. wouldnt hurt to try the common duckweed. i dont think it will take over your pond Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Azolla is not large duckweed... Azolla is a tiny floating fern. It looks kinda scaly and is in a V shape. Usually less than 2cm wide. It is the one you see on farm ponds as a thick red carpet. It is green in lower light. Azolla needs strong sun and very (very very) still water to grow. There are two species in NZ, the invasive A. pinnata has mostly replaced the native A. finiculoides. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_fern There are two types of duckweed (Lemna spp.) here. The native one is slightly smaller, and has one root per leaf platelet. The introduced one is bigger and has multiple roots per platelet. Obvious if you look, but otherwise totally negligible differences. Gawd why do I know all this stuff? Never write a book, it forces you to learn so much pointless stuff! :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 very interesting i thought there was just the one azolla and was abit of controversy whether native or not but your theory seems to make more sence, its the smallest fern in the country/world i remember reading? people do call azolla large duckweed...it may not be correct but makes sence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 That is the problem with common names. If you use both there is no confusion and most people will know what you are talking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 I have a 5,500 litre pond, filtered and about 5m long x 2.5 m wide. I put duck weed into a bird bath-type dish that water runs into and then overflows into the main body of the pond. The duckweed is sort of contained in the dish, although some has run into the main pond. Nothing much of the duck weed has got established in the pond and it's been there for a few months now. The duck weed in the dish has completely covered its surface and I think it looks great. It hasn't been a problem in the main body of the pond - maybe the goldfish are eating it, but I hadn't especially noticed that. I was nervous about introducing it, but it has been no problem in the sunny situation my pond is in. I think it adds a natural authenticity to the pond's appearance. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon1990 Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 IT WILL TAKEEE OVVERRRRR!!!!! Unless there is good flow in the pond..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 It would be easier to control in a pond because a bit would not matter and if the fish don't eat enough you can scoop it out with a net and put it on the compost heap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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