Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've found a simple solution for those of us with, ahem, less-than-green thumbs. I was struggling to tone down the lighting in my Tetra/Cory tank. I even managed to kill water sprite, which is pretty hard to do. I decided to give the Marineland Plastic Bamboo a try - it floats on the surface and looks surprisingly natural. Not ideal for bettas, since it's plastic, but it's working out great for my fish. Thought I'd pass on the tip.

I think that's a great find for those struggling with live plants. The Marineland Plastic Bamboo really does have a realistic look to it.

littleking wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2024 5:57 pm I think that's a great find for those struggling with live plants. The Marineland Plastic Bamboo really does have a realistic look to it.

Thanks for sharing, SeaBidder. I'm right there with you, I managed to kill duckweed - yeah, I know, it's pretty hard to do that.

littleking wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2024 5:57 pm I think that's a great find for those struggling with live plants. The Marineland Plastic Bamboo really does have a realistic look to it.

I'd shared before that I was cleaning some aquarium gear, and I'd left a bucket of bleach solution outside for a few days - I'd been out of commission with a nasty flu bug. When I finally got around to dumping it, I was shocked to find some vibrant, healthy duckweed thriving in the bleach.

Killing that stuff is quite the feat, I must say.

I'm considering getting this Marineland Plastic Bamboo - saw it at my local fish store recently. I've been dealing with hair algae, and I believe it's because my lighting is too intense. This could help block some of the light and provide some shade.

Honestly looks really nice.

I have to say, I got duckweed and frogbit mixed up in a thread, and @belleora's comment about duckweed thriving in a bleach solution really cracked me up. Yet, at the same time, it's actually pretty mind-blowing that duckweed can survive something like that.

Killing duckweed is no easy feat, trust me. I've been there - it took me a whole week to eradicate it from one of my tanks. I was obsessed, constantly on the lookout for any stray bits, net at the ready. It's annoying, but you have to admire its survival instincts.

I had this one time, completely dehydrated and dead duckweed on my tank lid, but then it touched water and suddenly it came back to life, like it was just waiting for that chance to thrive again.

littleking wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2024 5:57 pm I think that's a great find for those struggling with live plants. The Marineland Plastic Bamboo really does have a realistic look to it.

I recall using a combination of two worming meds and an antibacterial - eSHa products, for those interested - in my 57-gallon tank, and it surprisingly took out the duckweed. Although, I'm still keeping an eye out for any potential regrowth from dried-out bits. What's interesting is that the duckweed and elodea (or pondweed) were the ones that died back, while more delicate plants like vallis, swords, and water lettuce managed to survive.

angelica wrote: ↑Sun Sep 01, 2024 6:09 am I had this one time, completely dehydrated and dead duckweed on my tank lid, but then it touched water and suddenly it came back to life, like it was just waiting for that chance to thrive again.

I'm convinced it's true - duckweed can rehydrate and start growing all over again. It's the only way to explain how it keeps coming back, no matter how thoroughly you think you've eradicated it. I mean, we've all been there, right? You've scoured every inch of the tank, netted out every last bit, and yet... it's back. Must be those tiny dried-out pieces hiding under the rim or on a piece of equipment, just waiting to spring back to life.