Aquatic Food Crop - Iguana/Herbivore

[Kashta]

I scoop out and throw away an enormous amount of mini water lettuce and duckweed on a weekly basis (approx. 3/4 the surface area of my 110 gallon tank). I know there's a high nutrient content in duckweed, at least. Would it be adviseable for me to feed some of this to my juvenile iguana? (Age is still something under 6 months.)

What about other fast-growing aquatic plants like Amazon frogbit, Water Wisteria, or Anacharis?

Variety is an important part of the Ig's diet so, if it's feasible, this would only make up a tiny portion of what he/she eats. I've just been wondering if some of these plants could be used this way instead of it all going to waste.

 

[LifelessForm]

As far as being safe, I'm not sure about aquatic plants. The iguana needs a diet high in calcium and low in phosphorus. As long as you meet those needs, and provide the correct lighting, I don't see a problem. I would research the toxicity of those plants though just to be sure.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Hmm....interesting question Kash. I'm not really sure if they're safe to feed or not. Water lettuce is native to Africa so Iguana iguana never had the opportunity to add it to it's natural feeding shedule.

Oh and send me the leftover water lettuce, my turtles will thank you.