Feeding and Nutrition :: Water Hyacinth,Duckweed

[notoch351]

I just noticed that we had some Water hyacinth and duckweed in our pond and I read that’s good for them. But it has algae on the roots I tried washing it not much came off is it ok to feed them ?



Thanks, Chad

[DavidY]

Yea, the algae is natural and shouldn't cause any problem if the turtles eat them.

[notoch351]

I was worried it could have had parasites from being in a pond.
and do I put the the whole thing in roots and all

[DavidY]

Just rinse it off real good under the faucet (or garden hose). I think someone else said their turtle liked the roots too.

[notoch351]

ok thankks for the help.

[e-akers]

Koopa loveeeeeees Water hyacinth. She'll nibble the leaves which is good, but she also uses the long, bushy roots to hide in. I wouldn't worry too much about the algea, it won't hurt your turtle :] The only setback is the debris from the roots clogs filtration. Otherwise, it's turtle paradise :] haha

[notoch351]

wow they eat it fast and your right it made a big mess.

[rmicklit]

Where can I find any water hyacinth or anarchris? I've looked in a bunch of ponds around the area and there is little or no plant life or maybe I just can't identify the right stuff. Is there anywhere I can buy any online or special places(big lakes or rivers) to look?

[notoch351]

I see them at garden centers or even walmart has them and anarchris i think petsmart

[sillyleisl]

Petsmart does have anacharis, but it's fairly expensive if you're using it for eating. I got a much better deal at a koi store: $5.00 for a large bag filled with it. Still trying to locate water hyacinth, but I think it actually might be illegal in FL because no one ships it here. Sigh.

[steve]

Several people have been buying them online, mainly through eBay. Search the forum, a few sellers should pop-up.

[sillyleisl]

cool, thanks!

[marisa]

If you're getting the water hyacinth and duckweed wild from a pond, you might want to let the plants soak in a bucket of clear water after rinsing them to get them a big cleaner and help take off any bugs/worms that are hiding in the roots.

[rmicklit]

I just got 6 plants of Water Hyacinths off ebay for 18 bucks. Not a bad deal i dont think. The plants are in great shape.

Thanks for the advice guys!

-Ryan

[Blapple]

Try finding a mom&pop pet store near you. A lot of times they'll have aquatic plants.