Aquafy
Our company was founded by hobbyists for hobbyists in Australia. Aquafy is committed to providing only the best aquarium plants, hardscape aquascaping equipment. We are based in Sydney and deliver to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, ACT, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. However we cannot ship livestock like fish, shrimps and snails to WA or TAS. Our aquatic plants are harvested the same day we ship so it means you get the plants as fresh as possible. We ship from Sundays to Wednesdays, with all livestock and plants been shipped via Australia post express postage which takes 1-2 days to arrive. Our DOA guarantee ensures that the plants arrive healthy or you get your money back. Join team Aquafy today and see why thousands of aquascapers trust us with their aquascaping needs.
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These have been a great addition to my aquarium. They are growing well and have survived several upheavals in the tank. Highly recommended.
Introduction
When it comes to aquatic plants that combine aesthetics, ecological benefits, and low-maintenance requirements, Flaming Red Azolla stands out as a top contender. As a longtime hobbyist with over a decade of experience in aquascaping, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with dozens of floating plants. However, few have been as visually striking or ecologically impactful as the Flaming Red Azolla I recently purchased from Aquafy Aquatic Shop.
It’s been exactly 14 days since I introduced this beautiful aquatic fern into my backyard pond, and this review is based on daily observation, experimentation, and a bit of scientific curiosity. This isn’t just a customer review—this is a deep dive into everything Flaming Red Azolla has to offer.
1. Background: What Is Flaming Red Azolla?
Azolla, commonly referred to as mosquito fern or water fern, is a genus of aquatic ferns known for its fast-growing, floating mats and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It has been used for centuries in Asian rice paddies as a natural fertilizer, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae.
Flaming Red Azolla is a particularly vivid cultivar or strain that exhibits a deep red to burgundy coloration under certain environmental conditions, particularly under high light and nutrient-controlled environments. While traditional Azolla is green to reddish-brown, Flaming Red Azolla offers an intense crimson hue that can make any aquatic setup look spectacular.
2. Ordering from Aquafy Aquatic Shop
I discovered Aquafy Aquatic Shop through a recommendation on a plant hobbyist forum. Their website was easy to navigate, and their descriptions were informative without being overwhelming. I placed the order during their weekend sale, and within a few minutes, I received confirmation and tracking information.
The plant arrived in a well-insulated package, kept moist and secure in a breathable pouch. Upon opening it, I was delighted to see no sign of wilting, rot, or pests. The Azolla was vibrant, alive, and slightly red-tinted even before introduction to my pond.
3. Introduction to My Pond Ecosystem
Before introducing the Azolla, I ran a few tests on my pond:
Size: ~600 gallons
Water temperature: 22–26°C (72–78°F)
pH: 6.8
Light exposure: Full sun, 8–10 hours/day
Fish: Small koi and goldfish population
Other plants: Duckweed, Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce
I floated the Azolla in a shallow container for 30 minutes before gradually acclimating it to the pond water, avoiding any shock to the system.
4. Week-by-Week Growth Analysis
Day 1–3: Acclimation Phase
The Azolla remained afloat and retained its structure well. The fish were curious but didn’t nibble at it much, which was a relief. Initially, the color was more of a reddish-green with minimal pigment on the leaf margins. I noticed the leaves were tightly clustered, forming small rosettes.
Day 4–7: Spreading and Reddening
By day 4, I began to see expansion. The Azolla doubled its coverage area by day 7, and under the strong sunlight, the pigmentation started to shift dramatically. The vibrant red hue began to intensify, particularly during the midday sun. I reduced nitrogen input in the water slightly, which seems to enhance red pigmentation due to nutrient stress (a common trick used in aquascaping).
Day 8–14: Full Adaptation
The Flaming Red Azolla had become a dominant floating species by this point. I had to thin it out slightly to allow space for light to reach submerged plants. Its brilliant crimson tones caught the attention of every visitor to my garden. From a distance, it resembled a velvet carpet across the water’s surface.
The fish began to interact with it more often, seemingly using it as partial cover. Interestingly, the Azolla created microhabitats on the pond surface—tiny insects and even frogs could be seen resting on it occasionally.
5. Benefits I Observed
Aesthetic Value
Let’s start with the obvious—Flaming Red Azolla is gorgeous. Whether in a minimalist aquascape or a larger outdoor pond, the red coloration adds a splash of color that’s rare among aquatic plants. It provides a seasonal, autumnal charm all year round when managed properly.
Algae Control
By covering large portions of the water surface, Azolla helps reduce sunlight penetration, effectively limiting algae growth. I noticed a decline in filamentous algae, which had been a minor issue during spring.
Natural Fertilizer Potential
Though I’m not growing rice, the idea that Azolla can contribute nitrogen to the water intrigued me. It’s known to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, potentially benefiting surrounding plant life. However, in a closed pond system with fish, the practical impact is likely minimal but still worth noting.
Low Maintenance
Once established, Azolla grows rapidly but can be easily skimmed off and composted. It doesn’t root into substrate, so it doesn’t interfere with ...
I received my order of the Nana Val in great time and in excellent condition. The plants are thriving in the tank and are now awaiting my purchase of fish to be able to swim amongst them.
I am setting up my tank, after being without fish for around 7 or 8 years now. I bought the Guppy Grass as I plan on getting neon tetras and guppies and wanted something they could swim through and hide amongst.
I haven't got the fish yet, but the plants are thriving and I know it will be perfect for the fish when I get them.
Plant arrived in great condition and transplanted really well into pond, has already got new growth and only been in pond for three weeks
We received the 3 x 4 plant selection in 3 days by express post. There was a nice selection of plants and have been thriving in my aquarium. Very happy with my purchase.
They arrived in perfect condition, as described, and the value is unbeatable. Thank you Aquafy I am extremely pleased with my purchase.
Received plants and they were in good shape. Fast delivery and just what I wanted . Thank you
