do floating plants help with algae?

[Lynxer]

I've been dealing with algae blooms in my 20 gallon tank, and I'm wondering if floating plants like Frogbit or Salvinia would help. My tank gets about 6 hours of light daily, and I've got a sponge filter running. Anyone tried this before?

[sandree]

Floating plants can definitely help by shading the water and soaking up excess nutrients. I've had good luck with Duckweed in my 10 gallon, but it can get out of hand if you don't thin it regularly. What's your nitrate level like?

[lunanix]

I've been dealing with algae blooms in my 20 gallon tank, and I'm wondering if floating plants like Frogbit or Salvinia would help. My tank gets about 6 hours of light daily, and I've got a sponge filter running. Anyone tried this before?

Yeah, floating plants are a game changer. I use Red Root Floaters in my 30 gallon, and they've cut down on algae big time. Just watch out for too much surface coverage, it can mess with gas exchange.

[Vigor7]

I've got Frogbit in my tank, and it's been chill. Not sure if it's the plants or the reduced light, but the algae's way down. How often do you do water changes?

[OceanicApe]

Floating plants are great for algae control, but they're not a magic fix. You still gotta keep up with maintenance. I've got Salvinia in my 40 gallon, and it helps, but I also dose Excel and keep my lighting on a timer.

[finleyz]

Floating plants can definitely help by shading the water and soaking up excess nutrients. I've had good luck with Duckweed in my 10 gallon, but it can get out of hand if you don't thin it regularly. What's your nitrate level like?

Duckweed is a beast, man. It's like the herpes of the aquarium world, once you got it, it's there for life. But yeah, it does help with algae if you can keep it under control.

[Lynxer]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll grab some Frogbit and see how it goes. My nitrates are around 20 ppm, so maybe the plants will help bring that down too.

[lunanix]

Good call on the Frogbit. Just remember to leave some open space at the surface so your fish can breathe easy. Let us know how it works out!

[OceanicApe]

Floating plants can definitely help by shading the water and soaking up excess nutrients. I've had good luck with Duckweed in my 10 gallon, but it can get out of hand if you don't thin it regularly. What's your nitrate level like?

Duckweed is a beast, man. It's like the herpes of the aquarium world, once you got it, it's there for life. But yeah, it does help with algae if you can keep it under control.

LOL, that's one way to put it. I gave up on Duckweed after it took over my tank in a week. Salvinia's way easier to manage.

[sandree]

20 ppm nitrates isn't too bad, but the Frogbit should help. Just keep an eye on your water params and adjust your light if needed. Too much light plus nutrients is basically an algae party invite.