waterweed: There is confusion mainly because of its name, because the waterweed is not what one or the other beginner thinks algae species, but rather it is a question here Plant, which in many aquariums finds its place. The reasons are quite diverse, because the waterweed is not only beautiful to look at, but also has low demands on the water. The waterweed even finds its place in the pond. Water plague comes in a variety of forms. Be it as dense-leaved waterweed or with great resemblance to Nixweed. You can find out what waterweed looks like, what it costs and what you should consider when planting in the following article. This is also the starting shot for ours plant series for the Aquarium please. Here we would like to keep you plants with their wanted posters imagine.
Appearance of waterweed (Elodea)
First a word about the optics of the waterweed. In our opinion, it does very well in any aquarium. Unfortunately, her name seems to have negative connotations, but that shouldn't be the case. The waterweed is one of them stem plants and not to them potted plants. There are quite a lot of stem plants and one could quickly confuse the waterweed, regardless of whether it is dense-leaved or not. Alone with them Elodea species there are many subspecies. Most of these come from their original place of origin. That's why you can find them Argentine waterweed or the canadian waterweed. There are also subspecies like this narrow-leaved and the one already mentioned dense-leaved waterweed. She is one of them Frogbite Family. There are some Elodea species here, but their basic structure is always the same. Long stems and small leaves characterize this plant. Many also talk about herbaceous plants. Roots can then only be found very small, which can also come from the actual stalk further up.
The waterweed is extremely adaptable to its aquatic conditions, but only copes with freshwater. The waterweed can be used not only in the aquarium, but also in the pond, where it can develop stalks up to 3 meters long. Even overwintering is no problem here.
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Use against algae in the aquarium
The name waterweed mainly has something to do with their growth. Like chickweed, waterweed (Elodea) grows very quickly. Usually one can even say too quickly, which can become a problem in a biological cycle such as the aquarium. Here the nutrients, which consist of micro and macronutrients, are limited and it can happen that they sometimes become tight. Normally, the waterweed (Elodea) gets theirs Nutrients how she needs it. But if there are too few, then even they can wither away, which is extremely rare. But this rather rapid growth is also very good when it comes to the combating algae goes.
We have repeatedly reported that fast-growing plants should also be used in the event of strong algae growth. Here the waterweed (Elodea) is exactly the right thing. This deprives the algae of their basic nutrients and they are in retreat. Of course, this will not be enough for one or the other type of algae, so that further steps have to be taken. But more on that in the guide to algae.
Water conditions of the Elodea
As already indicated several times above, the waterweed (Elodea) does not need any special ones water values. Only the temperature should be considered, because here it could be difficult in a discus tank with 30 degrees or more. She doesn't really like these temperature ranges. We'd say she does well at 28 degrees. It's going to be more difficult than that.
Otherwise, they should thrive very well, whether in acidic or alkaline water. Also in things fertilization you don't really need to help. When other plants stop growing, waterweed (Elodea) still grows very well. Nevertheless seems especially after the Water change fertilization to be recommended. The waterweed (Elodea) will not be kept as the only plant.
Planting and care of waterweed (Elodea)
Let's take another look at how to be from the start Set up an aquarium should and where the plant finds its place. Above all, the background is the first choice here, because due to the enormous length that it can reach, it makes no sense in the foreground. Even in the aquarium it can grow up to 1 meter long. Since it is a stem plant, it is usually delivered in a bunch. Here there is then an amalgamation of 5 to 10 stalks, depending on the supplier.
However, these should not simply be stuck in one place and together in the soil and aquarium subsoil, but should be distributed somewhat. Otherwise it can happen that the waterweed (Elodea) starts to be too modern. Always four stalks in a small group makes perfect sense. In width, the plant hardly grows at all. So you don't have to pay much attention here.
One can the waterweed (Elodea) but even as floating plant use, because it also multiplies in open water without any contact with the bottom.
In addition, we have already noticed that the waterweed (Elodea), even when planted, creates a beautiful carpet on the water surface can form when it reaches them with its rapid growth. Especially for fry like guppies an ideal retreat.
A word about care, because you should pay attention to something here. It makes sense to cut back the plant from time to time. We recommend special plant scissors for this. Simply snapping off with your fingers is not recommended. This usually causes problems with the new shoots. A clean cut is much better here.
Propagation of waterweed (Elodea)
As already mentioned in the care section, cut back the stems that have become too long. You can then simply put them back into the substrate and you have a new plant. In this way you can get the planting of the aquarium quite dense in a short time. Each cut stalk forms an independent new aquatic plant.
Where to buy the waterweed (Elodea)
Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to buy the aquatic plant here. Be it in the specialist shop around the corner or at the many online retailers who trade in aquatic plants. Of course you can also get the plants at aquarium fairs.
You can often get these for free from other aquarists who are in the process of thinning and cutting them back. Here we recommend the various Facebook groups for information. Usually you don't have to pay anything there apart from the postage.
- Climate-neutral shipping with DHL GoGreen
- Individual aquarium design with our aquatic plants
- Aquarium plants reduce algae growth
- fast-growing bunch plants
- Aquarium plants for a colorful underwater world
- good quality at a fair price
Thanks for the Facebook group pictures https://www.facebook.com/groups/Aquaristik/permalink/1701315099905791/