Disposal of Aquarium and Pond Aquatic Plants

There are a few live aquatic plants that can make a nutritious feed for pets, such as chickens, turtles, goldfish, rabbits and other pets or animals. Read the section below on feeding pets.

You may even dry out some aquatic plants, like duckweed, to use as feed for goldfish. Or even dehydrate your plants, blend them up with other ingredients, to make your own DIY fish food.

Here are some suggestions and recommendations on how to properly prevent the spread of invasive species, and how to discard live aquatic plants.

• Inspect and rinse new aquatic plants into a sink with a very fine-mesh sieve or strainer to rid them of seeds, fragments, snails, snail eggs, and fish.
• Do your part! Help stop the spread of pest and invasive plants by reporting any sightings in waterways and don’t add any of your own.
• Please help protect our environment, and the aquatic plant industry. Before ordering any aquatic plants, please ensure that your desired plant is not considered invasive or illegal in your state, or the federal invasive aquatic plant species list. Never release aquatic plants into natural lakes, streams, or other waterways.
• Proper disposal of aquatic plants and live animals is essential to prevent the spread of invasive species and to protect native aquatic ecosystems. Some aquatic plants can spread by even the tiniest fragments of the plant or seeds getting introduced to local waterways. It’s essential to handle the plants carefully to avoid spreading seeds or fragments. Below are some recommended methods for disposing of aquatic plants:
• Follow guidelines for humanely euthanizing unwanted live fish and animals. Guidelines are available through the American Veterinary Medical Association. It is my wish that disposal of live pets or organisms be considered as the last resort. As an alternative, consider joining groups on social media specific to rehoming pets, or listing them on local classified ads.

Prepare the Plants: Start by gathering the aquatic plants you want to dispose of. Remove any excess water from the plants by shaking them gently or patting them dry with paper towels. It’s essential to handle the plants carefully to avoid spreading seeds or fragments.

• Composting: If the aquatic plants are non-invasive and free from disease or contamination, composting can be an eco-friendly disposal method. Chop up the plants into small pieces and add them to a compost pile along with other organic matter. Ensure that the compost pile reaches a high enough temperature to effectively break down the plant material. Composting should be avoided, as seeds and fragments may still grow.
• Landfill: If composting is not feasible or if the aquatic plants are invasive or diseased, dispose of them in the regular household waste destined for a landfill. Completely dry and bag the plants securely to prevent them from spreading during transportation.
• Green Waste Collection: Some municipalities offer green waste collection services for organic materials, including plant debris. Check with your local waste management authority to see if they accept aquatic plants as part of their green waste collection program.
• DRY OR DEHYDRATE:
• FREEZE: If you’re dealing with smaller quantities of aquatic plants, seal the plants in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for at least 24 hours to kill any organisms, and then dispose of them in the regular household waste.
• BURN: Dry the plants in a brown paper bag and then set it on fire in a safe manner. Burning aquatic plants should only be done in compliance with local regulations and fire safety protocols. If burning is permitted in your area and you have a suitable outdoor space, you can burn the plant material to reduce it to ash. Ensure that the fire is fully extinguished afterward.
• BLEACH: If the plant is invasive, you can give the trimmings an extended bleach bath.
• TRADE, GIFT or SELL: Excess plants and stem-plant trimmings can be turned into monetary value or trade. You may also exchange plants and trimmings for other new plants, fish, or equipment for your aquariums at your local fish store [Not the box stores]. Or, simply gift your excess plants and trimmings to other hobbyists.
• PROFESSIONAL DISPOSAL: For large-scale removals of aquatic plants, especially in the case of invasive species or contaminated plants, consider hiring a professional aquatic weed control service. These professionals have the equipment and expertise to safely remove and dispose of aquatic plants while minimizing the risk of spread.
• MICROWAVE: Follow safety precautions and guidelines provided by the microwave manufacturer. Place plants in microwave safe container, one large enough to avoid overcrowding. Microwave the plants on high power for short intervals, typically 1-2 minutes at a time, depending on the quantity and moisture content of the plants. Handle with care to avoid getting burned, as both the container and the plants may be hot. After each interval, check the temperature and ensure that it has been heated evenly, and sufficiently. Read HEAT below.

HEAT:

• To effectively kill aquatic plants, they generally need to be heated to temperatures between 140°F (60°C) and 180°F (82°C) for a sustained period. This temperature range is sufficient to denature the proteins and enzymes within the plant cells, causing irreversible damage and ultimately leading to the plant’s death.
• However, the exact temperature and duration required to kill aquatic plants can vary depending on factors such as the species of plant, its size and thickness, moisture content, and environmental conditions. Some aquatic plants may be more resistant to heat treatments than others, and thick or dense plant material may require higher temperatures or longer exposure times to ensure complete eradication.
• When using heat treatments to kill aquatic plants, it’s essential to ensure that the entire plant material reaches the target temperature for a sufficient duration. Uneven heating or insufficient temperatures may only partially kill the plants, allowing them to recover and regrow.
• Additionally, some aquatic plant species produce seeds or reproductive structures that may have higher heat tolerance than the vegetative parts of the plant. In these cases, additional measures may be necessary to prevent the spread of viable seeds or fragments.
• Overall, heating aquatic plants to temperatures between 140°F (60°C) and 180°F (82°C) for an extended period is generally effective for killing them. However, it’s essential to consider the specific characteristics of the plant species and environmental conditions to ensure successful eradication.

PET FEED:

There are many pets and animals that can eat aquatic plants, lettuce, and vegetables as part of their diet. Here’s a breakdown by pet type:

1. Koi and Pond Fish:
   • Koi and other pond fish can benefit from consuming certain types of aquatic plants as part of their diet. Plants like water lettuce, water hyacinth, and duckweed can provide natural grazing opportunities for fish and may offer some nutritional value. However, it’s essential to monitor their consumption and ensure that they don’t overeat and disrupt the balance of the pond ecosystem.
2. Fish:
   • Many species of fish, including herbivores like goldfish, mollies, and certain types of cichlids, can consume aquatic plants as part of their diet. Common aquarium plants such as Anacharis, Vallisneria, and Hornwort are often eaten by fish.
   • Some fish also enjoy blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and spinach as occasional treats. These vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber for their digestive health.
3. Aquatic Turtles:
   • Aquatic turtles, such as red-eared sliders painted turtles, and map turtles, often consume aquatic plants as a significant portion of their diet. They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes aquatic vegetation, including Anacharis, Elodea, Duckweed, Water hyacinth, Water Lettuce, and various floating plants. These plants offer both nutrition and environmental enrichment.
   • Land-dwelling turtles, such as box turtles, also benefit from a diet that includes leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and collard greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals for their health.
4. Tortoises:
   • Some species of tortoises, particularly those with semi-aquatic habitats, may consume aquatic plants as part of their diet. For example, the red-footed tortoise and the yellow-footed tortoise are known to feed on aquatic vegetation such as water lettuce, water hyacinth, and water lilies. These plants provide hydration and essential nutrients for tortoises.
5. Ducks and Geese:
   • Ducks and geese are waterfowl that naturally forage on aquatic vegetation in their habitat. They enjoy feeding on a variety of aquatic plants such as water lettuce, duckweed, water lilies, and various submerged plants. Providing these plants can offer enrichment and natural foraging opportunities for ducks and geese.
6. Amphibians:
   • Many amphibians, such as aquatic frogs and newts, may nibble on aquatic plants as part of their natural behavior. Plants like Java Moss and Amazon Frogbit can provide cover and hiding spots for these animals.
   • Some terrestrial amphibians, like certain species of toads, may also consume small amounts of leafy greens like lettuce and spinach as part of their diet.
7. Invertebrates (shrimp and snails):
   • Herbivorous invertebrates, such as snails and shrimp, can graze on aquatic plants for food and algae control. Snails like Nerite and Mystery Snails, as well as freshwater shrimp like Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp, are known to consume plant matter.
   • Additionally, vegetables like blanched zucchini and cucumber can serve as nutritious snacks for many invertebrates, including snails and shrimp.
   • Some species of freshwater snails, such as Nerite snails, Mystery snails, and Ramshorn snails, may graze on algae and soft aquatic plant tissues. While they primarily consume algae, they may rarely nibble on delicate Amazon Frogbit leaves, but mostly will consume unhealthy or decaying plant matter.
8. Certain Birds:
   • Some species of birds, particularly those with access to ponds or water bodies, may occasionally consume aquatic plants as part of their diet. For example, domesticated birds like ducks, swans, and certain species of waterfowl may forage on aquatic vegetation as part of their natural behavior.

It’s essential to research the specific dietary and nutritional needs of each pet or animal species to ensure they receive a varied and balanced diet. While aquatic plants, lettuce, and vegetables can be beneficial components of their diet, they should be offered in moderation and as part of a varied and species-appropriate feeding regimen.

While aquatic plants can be a beneficial addition to the diet of certain pets, it’s crucial to ensure that they are safe and suitable for consumption. Some plants naturally contain toxins that may be detrimental to one animal species, but not to others. Additionally, ensure that plants are free from pesticides or contaminants, thoroughly washed to avoid potential health risks.