How to Raise Elodea

Also known as anacharis, elodea is a member of the Hydrocharitaceae family of water-loving plants. Considered a waterweed, elodea grows fast and can provide an abundance of oxygen to a busy aquarium. Elodea works perfectly in the background or middleground of your tank, and thrives when floating freely. You can raise elodea yourself in a separate tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Sterile potting soil
  • 20-gallon fish tank
  • Sterile sand
  • Lukewarm water
  • Aquarium heater
  • 25-watt fluorescent bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a 1 1/2-inch layer of sterile potting soil in the bottom of a 20-gallon fish tank. Cover the potting soil with a 1 1/2-inch layer of sterile sand.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with lukewarm water. Pour the water in slowly so you do not stir up the substrate (soil and sand) at the bottom of the tank.

    • 3

      Allow the water to stand for at least 24 hours. The waiting period will give chlorine and other impurities in the water time to dissipate before adding the plants.

    • 4

      Maintain a constant water temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an aquarium heater if necessary.

    • 5

      Remove approximately 1 inch of foliage from the bottom of each of the elodea plants. Bury the elodea in the substrate, keeping all of the foliage above the sand level.

    • 6

      Provide the elodea with at least 12 to 16 hours of light per day. A 25-watt fluorescent bulb in the hood of the tank should suffice.