How To Grow Duckweed Fast For Your Catfish

In recent times, fish farmers have been looking for ways to reduce the amount they spend in feeding their fish so as to maximize profit. So, in this post, we will be looking at how to get duckweed to grow fast to feed catfish.

The recent hike in fish feed has prompted farmers to find alternatives to fish feed. Through research, it has been discovered that duckweed is a good source of protein and it reduces the cost of feeding in fish farming.

To get duckweed to grow fast, you should look for a shallow container (bucket, small tank, or fish pond) with 4-6 inches of water. Add compost/manure for nutrients. Place it under the sun (4-6 hours daily) with warm water (60-70°F). Keep water shallow (1-2 inches) and control algae with aeration. Harvest when it covers the water surface.

What Is Duckweed?

Duckweed is a small aquatic plant that can be used as a supplementary or alternative food for catfish. It is a fast-growing floating plant that is high in protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Recent research found that duckweed is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source for not just catfish but other types of fish that consume plants.

Duckweed has a high digestibility rate, meaning that catfish can easily absorb and utilize the nutrients it contains.

How to Grow Duckweed Fast

Duckweed is easy to grow and can be grown in either a concrete pond, tarpaulin pond, or earthen pond. It requires minimal care and maintenance, making it ideal for small-scale farmers. We earlier published a post on how to grow duckweed in catfish pond. We recommend you see the post for more insight.

The small aquatic plant has a quick growth rate, with some species doubling in size in days. Here are some simple steps on how to grow duckweed:

1. Choose a suitable container

Duckweed can be grown in any shallow container such as a bucket, tub, or aquarium. The container should be at least 6 inches deep and filled with 4-6 inches of water.

2. Add organic matter

Duckweed requires a nutrient-rich environment to grow well. Add organic matter such as compost or chicken manure to the water to provide the necessary nutrients. The question of whether duckweed needs fertilizer to grow is already answered here.

3. Source for duckweed

You can collect duckweed from a natural water source or purchase it from the nursery. Place the duckweed in the container and spread it out evenly. Understand that you can grow duckweed from the seeds but it is usually easy to multiply the one that have started growing.

4. Leave under sunlight

Duckweed requires plenty of sunlight to grow. Place the container in a sunny location where it will receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

5. Maintain water temperature

Duckweed grows best in warm water, ideally between 60-70°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature and adjust as necessary.

6. Monitor water level

Duckweed requires a shallow water level to grow. Monitor the water level and add more water as needed to maintain a depth of 1-2 inches.

7. Control Algae

Algae can grow in the same conditions that are favorable for duckweed growth. To control algae growth, keep the water well-aerated and avoid overfeeding the duckweed.

8. Harvesting

Duckweed grows fast which means it can be harvested once it has covered the entire surface of your pond. Use a fine mesh net to scoop up the duckweed and remove any debris. Rinse the duckweed thoroughly with clean water before using it.

What Temperature Does Duckweed Need to Grow?

Duckweed thrives in warm water, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). While it can survive in cooler water, its growth takes off in warm environments. In warmer climates, provide some shade during peak sun hours to prevent overheating the water.

1. Ideal Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C) for best growth.
2. Tolerates Cooler Temperatures: Growth slows significantly below 50°F (10°C).
3. Warm Climates: Provide shade during peak sun to prevent overheating.

Summary

Catfish are omnivorous fish and can consume a variety of foods, including plant material. Duckweed can be a valuable addition to all catfish feed as it provides essential nutrients and can also help to improve the water quality in aquaculture systems.

Additionally, duckweed is easy to cultivate and can be grown in ponds, tanks, or other aquatic systems. You can use it as a feed for catfish. This means that it can be harvested and added directly to the fish pond.

Remember that duckweed does not need fertilizer to grow. The best for its growth is poultry manure or chicken droppings.

The amount of duckweed that should be fed to the catfish will depend on the size of the fish and the number of other food sources available. The good thing is that it helps to cut down the cost of feed. Our post on the cost of feeding 1000 catfish will help you understand better the benefit of growing duckweed as an alternative food source.