Got Watercress?

[DN328]

Hey folks - I've read about the various plants that MFK'ers grow within their tanks and/or sumps to help with nitrate reduction.

The two I often hear is everyone's favorite pothos or lucky bamboo. I think either of thise would be the route Id go if I try.

But, I have been thinking about Watercress. Anyone ever try this? They usually grow in slow moving water and you can eat it. Not sure how much lighting would be required.

 

[DN328]

Anyone? Or will I be the first in hobby history - highly unlikely I'm sure ;-)

 

[kendragon]

I think you may be the first.
I've seen them in koi ponds. Make a mess in the filter/skimmer due to the kois and ducks eating it.
The picture shows two pots. One closes to the waterfall grows like crazy and the one further away is slow growing.

 

[DN328]

I think you may be the first.
I've seen them in koi ponds. Make a mess in the filter/skimmer due to the kois and ducks eating it.
The picture shows two pots. One closes to the waterfall grows like crazy and the one further away is slow growing.

View attachment 1308158

Thanks kendragon . Is that pond someone you know? I figured putting it on my sump I wouldnt havr any koi or duck issues lol. I would put the roots in some sort of basket used in showers to keep it neat. I suspect maybe the watecress does better where there is constant flow near the waterfall?

 

[kendragon]

Thanks kendragon . Is that pond someone you know? I figured putting it on my sump I wouldnt havr any koi or duck issues lol. I would put the roots in some sort of basket used in showers to keep it neat. I suspect maybe the watecress does better where there is constant flow near the waterfall?

Yes, I do weekly maintenance on this pond for someone. The watercress is planted in dirt only so they are anchored and not pulled around. They do better with flow. As a kid I visited a watercress farm many times for school. Check out Sumida Farms Hawaii.

 

[jaws7777]

I used water lettuce. Didn't do much for nitrates but grew like crazy. Lots of plants and now bioload nitrate reduction is possible but with monsters. The mess isn't worth it I'm.

 

[Chub_by]

I used to have some in my pond, it grows and spreads fast as hell, but idk if it would do well in a tropical tank.

 

[DN328]

I used water lettuce. Didn't do much for nitrates but grew like crazy. Lots of plants and now bioload nitrate reduction is possible but with monsters. The mess isn't worth it I'm.

So you see nitrate reduction Frank? That's cool. I wouldnt do water lettuce as Im the mess would drive me nuts lol.

 

[DN328]

I used to have some in my pond, it grows and spreads fast as hell, but idk if it would do well in a tropical tank.

Yeah, I was thinking of the sump to be specific . Hopefully not too hot?

 

[jaws7777]

So you see nitrate reduction Frank? That's cool. I wouldnt do water lettuce as Im the mess would drive me nuts lol.

Lol I'm sorry man my fingers move faster than my brain. I never saw a reduction in nitrates and trust me I know you WOULD NOT LIKE THE MESS LOL

I there's a balance between plants and bioload that's more complicated than I understand. I had a ton of water lettuce gorwing and never saw a reduction in nitrates. Meanwhile in a heavily planted 10 gal with a lone paradise fish I had hardly any nitrates.

I think for monters it's more trouble than it's worth

tarheel96 (sorry dude lol) did some pothos experiments and wasn't thrilled either