Aquarium Floating Plants for Aquariums: Improve Water Quality & Natural Filtration

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Aquarium Floating Plants for Aquariums: Improve Water Quality & Natural Filtration

If you're looking to enhance the beauty and health of your aquarium, floating aquarium plants are a must-have. These surface plants not only provide aesthetic appeal but also offer practical benefits such as improved water quality, natural shading, and hiding spots for fish and fry.

In this guide, we’ll explore four of the best floating aquarium plants: Phyllanthus fluitans (red root floater), Limnobium laevigatum (Amazon Frogbit), Salvinia minima, and Dwarf Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) each with unique traits and benefits for freshwater tanks.

1. Phyllanthus fluitans (Red Root Floater)

Phyllanthus fluitans, commonly known as Red Root Floater, is a favourite among aquascapers for its vibrant red roots and lush green to reddish leaves. Under high light and nutrient-rich conditions, its foliage takes on a stunning red hue that adds visual interest to any aquarium.

Key Benefits:

Excellent for reducing algae by blocking excess light
Absorbs nitrates and improves water quality
Provides shade and shelter for shy or light-sensitive fish
Red floating plant

Ideal Conditions:

Lighting: Medium to high
Temperature: 70°F–82°F (20°C–28°C)
pH Range: 6.5–7.5

This plant thrives in still or slow-moving water, so minimal surface agitation is best.

2. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)

Amazon Frogbit is a classic floating plant that resembles miniature lily pads with long trailing roots. It grows quickly, making it a great choice for new aquariums or those battling nutrient imbalances.

Key Benefits:

Helps prevent algae by absorbing excess nutrients
Offers a natural cover for bettas and other top-dwelling species
Easy to maintain and propagate
Long trailing roots (can be cut down to around 1 inch if too long)

Ideal Conditions:

Lighting: Moderate
Temperature: 64°F–84°F (18°C–29°C)
pH Range: 6.0–7.5

Be mindful to prune regularly, as Frogbit can quickly cover the water surface and block light from reaching other aquatic plants.

3. Salvinia (Salvinia minima and others)

Salvinia is a genus of floating ferns that features soft, fuzzy leaves. It's highly effective in nutrient control and is especially popular in shrimp tanks and low-tech setups.

Image: provided by Pavol Kulanda, Small green plant is salvinia minima and the small red plant is phyllanthus fluitans.

Key Benefits:

Reduces light and nutrient levels, discouraging algae
Creates a tranquil environment for fish
Soft leaves won’t damage delicate fins

Ideal Conditions:

Lighting: Low to moderate
Temperature: 65°F–85°F (18°C–29°C)
pH Range: 6.0–8.0

Salvinia prefers calm waters and will perform best in tanks without strong currents or surface skimmers.

4. Dwarf Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Dwarf Water Lettuce is a rosette-forming floating plant with light green, velvety leaves and long trailing roots. It's perfect for larger tanks or open-top aquariums where it can float freely and help improve water quality.

Dwarf Water Lettuce

Key Benefits:

Provides excellent surface cover and natural shade
Helps control algae by absorbing excess nutrients
Long roots offer shelter for fry and small fish

Ideal Conditions:

Lighting: Medium to high
Temperature: 20°C–28°C (68°F–82°F)
pH Range: 6.5–7.5

While fast-growing and hardy, Dwarf Water Lettuce does best in tanks with good ventilation and minimal surface agitation.

How Floating Plants Help Control Algae

One of the biggest benefits of floating aquarium plants is their natural ability to control algae growth. Floating plants like Red Root, Frogbit, Salvinia, and Dwarf Water Lettuce absorb excess nutrients—such as nitrates and phosphates—that algae thrive on. By competing for these nutrients, they starve algae of its food source.

Additionally, floating plants provide surface coverage that blocks out excess light, which further discourages algae from taking over your tank. The result is a cleaner, clearer aquarium with healthier conditions for fish and aquatic life—all without the need for chemical treatments.

Why Choose Floating Aquarium Plants?

Floating plants are not only easy to care for but also offer several ecological benefits:

Improve water quality by absorbing nitrates and ammonia
Create a natural, low-stress environment for fish
Help control algae by limiting light and nutrient availability

Whether you're an aquascaping enthusiast or a beginner aquarist, incorporating plants like Phyllanthus fluitans, Frogbit, Salvinia, and Dwarf water lettuce can elevate both the look and health of your aquarium.

Final Thoughts

Adding floating plants to your aquarium is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a natural, balanced aquatic environment. From the stunning red hues of Red Root Floater to the soft greenery of Salvinia and Dwarf water lettuce, these plants are both functional and beautiful.

Looking for healthy, high-quality floating plants? Browse our collection of live aquarium plants to find the perfect addition to your tank.

>Shop Floating Plants

Floating Aquarium Plants – Q&A

Are floating plants good for aquariums?

Yes, floating plants are great for aquariums. They improve water quality, help control algae, provide shade, and create natural hiding spots for fish and fry. They’re also easy to maintain and suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Which floating plant is best for algae control?

Plants like Red Root Floater, Amazon Frogbit, Salvinia, and Dwarf Water Lettuce are excellent for algae control. They absorb excess nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and reduce light penetration—two key factors that limit algae growth naturally.

Do floating plants need CO₂ or special fertilizers?

Most floating plants don’t require CO₂ injection as they can take what they need from the atmosphere, but they do benefit from nutrient-rich water or gentle supplementation with liquid fertilizers, especially for faster growth and vibrant colour unless using Red root Floaters they produce more reds with lower nitrate levels.

Can I use floating plants in a small tank or nano aquarium?

Absolutely. Smaller varieties like Phyllanthus fluitans (Red Root Floater) and Salvinia minima are ideal for nano tanks. Just be sure to thin them out them regularly to prevent them from blocking too much light.

Will floating plants block the light for other plants?

If left unchecked, fast-growing floating plants can shade out submerged plants. Regular trimming or selective placement helps maintain a healthy light balance in the aquarium.

Should I remove floating plants before doing a water change?

Yes, it is good practice to remove floating plants temporarily during water changes to avoid disturbances and the tops of the plant becoming to wet as this could cause some rotting. You can place them in a bucket/jug of tank water whilst doing water changes.