HOB Nitrate Filter

[JK47]

This is probably a lame idea but why not, it's an extra filter anyways? I do/still will do a 50% water change weekly but my tap water has 20PPM nitrate right out the tap?!?! I checked last year and it was 0PPM so hopefully these help. I pulled the filter pads out of my biowheel a couple of days ago put 10 Red Mangroves in. I turned down the flow to the lowest setting.

Anyone have much experience using these plants for freshwater nitrate removal? I am curious how much they actually consume.

 

[chesterthehero]

i use lucky bamboo in mine... they are constantly growing like mad because one of my cat eats the leaves.... i have never noticed a change... but ya know... whatever...

 

[JK47]

i use lucky bamboo in mine... they are constantly growing like mad because one of my cat eats the leaves.... i have never noticed a change... but ya know... whatever...

I like the look of lucky bamboo too. Got pics?

 

[chesterthehero]

like i said.. the cat likes to nibble it...

i sorta hate that cat sometimes...

 

[swede]

does this really make a noticeable change in nitrate levels more so than just planting aquatic plants?

 

[chesterthehero]

does this really make a noticeable change in nitrate levels more so than just planting aquatic plants?

none what so ever in any of my tanks.. but i do it anyway..

 

[JK47]

none what so ever in any of my tanks.. but i do it anyway..

Yeah I have to agree so far, but it has to be better than the blue filter pad in there before right? The SW guys swear by these plants for removing nitrate and phosphates. Any clue why it would have such a better impact in SW than in FW?

 

[tcarswell]

My betta tank (a ten gallon with one of those inside the tank hang in 10 gallon filters is packed with plants. He consumes very little and make even less waste. His nitrates are usually 20 which is exactly where they are at from the tap. except I barely change his water and he stays healthy and algae free.

 

[JK47]

My betta tank (a ten gallon with one of those inside the tank hang in 10 gallon filters is packed with plants. He consumes very little and make even less waste. His nitrates are usually 20 which is exactly where they are at from the tap. except I barely change his water and he stays healthy and algae free.

You have a red mangrove or lucky bamboo? From what I have read the mangroves will die quickly without sufficient nutrients so they have to consume something. I think it's better than spending money on chemical treatments any day. I'll find out soon enough as my nitrates are 20PPM right out of the tap as well.

Got pics of yours tcarswell?

 

[velanarris]

Plants don't uptake nitrogen unless they're recieving steady doses of trace and macro nutrients as well as sufficient light.

Sticking plants in your HOB is nothing more than aestetic.