Two of the most popular aquatic floating plants that can be used in the aquarium are duckweed and frogbit. These two aquatic plants provide substantial benefits to the aquarium’s ecosystem. But, what is the difference between duckweed vs frogbit?
Both of these aquatic plants share the same feature but also have some differences. The key difference is probably in the physical structure, where the frogbit has heart-shaped leaves. It also comes with roots and flowers which cannot be found on duckweed. Other differences between these plants will be discussed further in this article.
| Features | Frogbit | Duckweed |
| Physical Structure | Heart-Shaped Leaves White Flowers Roots | Oval-Shaped Leaves Stems with Bubbles to Allow the Plant to Float |
| Maintenance Level | Low | High |
| Physical Appeal | More Appeal | Lesser Appeal |
| Tank Size Preference | Medium Size | Large size |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Faster |
| Lighting Requirements | Needs sufficient Lighting | Can survive in Lowlight |
Contents
What is the difference Between Duckweed and Frogbit?
Both Frogbit and Duckweed shared so many similar traits, which is the reason why both are often compared to each other. However, there are also certain traits that make them unique from each other. Please see the list below:
Physical Structure
The most apparent difference between the two aquatic plants is their physical structure. They have a similar appearance, but the frogbit comes with heart-shaped leaves. This aquatic plant also blooms with white flowers and comes with roots.
On the other hand, the duckweed does not come with leaves, flowers, or roots. Instead, it comes with stems that come with air packets that have the ability to produce air bubbles. This unique feature allows this aquatic plant to float on the water’s surface.
Maintenance Level.
The amount of maintenance you put into these two aquatic plants can also be the difference between the two. Many aquarium owners believe that frogbit is low-maintenance among the two. Its ability to survive in any aquarium size makes them easy to use.
On the other hand, the duckweed is challenging to maintain and comes with a high maintenance cost. Its ability to grow very quickly is the primary reason which makes this aquatic plant pretty invasive.
If you fail to maintain this aquatic plant regularly, it will just take over the whole aquarium without you noticing it. Also, leaving this plant in your aquarium without restraining its growth could lead two oxygen deprivation in the aquarium’s ecosystem.
Physical Appeal
Both aquatic plants come with the excellent physical appeal, but I prefer more on the physical appeal of the frogbit. Frogbit is more of a floating ornamental plant that can produce white and yellow flowers. The leaves are glossy and come in a bright green shade.
On the other hand, the duckweed comes with one to four leaves and a root that hangs into the water. The oval-shaped leaves are small and are light green in color. The color and the shape of the leaves make it appealing to the eye, but frogbit is just more appealing.
Aquarium Size Preference
When it comes to having a floating plant in the aquarium, it is very important to consider the size of the aquarium. Since duckweed plants have the tendency to grow very quickly, it is advisable to use them in a much larger fish tank.
A fish tank for duckweed should have a capacity of more than 20 gallons or probably more. The bigger the size, the better since this floating plant can be pretty invasive, and a much larger size can accommodate its growth rate.
On the other hand, the frogbit plant also needs a larger size, preferably with a 20-gallon capacity. This size should be enough to accommodate this aquatic plant and the other species in your aquarium’s ecosystem.
Growth Rate
Both of these two aquatic plants grow quickly, but if you try to compare them, Duckweed spreads faster. This aquatic plant can double its number within ten days and is considered one of the fastest-growing floating plants you can use in the aquarium.
On the other hand, frogbits have the ability to double themselves in 14 days, provided they are receiving enough lighting and adequate pH level. If you are a keen observer, you will notice a leaf growing every two days.
Lighting Requirements
Frogbits are aquatic plants that need sufficient lighting to survive. Its lighting requirements include 10 to 20 lumen light per liter of water. It also needs lighting for up to 8 hours per day. Failure to provide these lighting requirements will just make them die.
On the other hand, duckweeds do not need too much lighting in order to survive. In fact, it has the ability to thrive under low lights. This feature is the reason why this plant is perfect for fishes that love to stay under the shade.
Conclusion
Learning the difference between duckweed vs frogbit is essential should you decide to put floating aquatic plants in your aquarium. Both of these plants share a lot of similarities but also come with some differences in features and usage. As an aquarium owner, it is all about finding the right one that will fit your aquarium’s features and needs.