I have a 125 with plants that I put in specifically because everyone - and I mean everyone - told me that the plants would help with my nitrates = poof! they would be gone.
I have been reading in my Aquarium Plants Manual and it states that plants do not extract nitrates - that plants on land do, but not aquarium plants. And, it shows damage to plant leaves from excess nitrates and it says that water changes are the only remedy. Yes, I do weekly partial water changes and keep my tank clean - I have nitrates because I have fish.
Ok, I love my plants, don't get me wrong. I spent, however a "bajillion" dollars on the lighting and plants and substrate and fertilizer, etc. specifically to get rid of the nitrates my fish produce. My book also says that I should not have many fish, probably because, guess what, they produce nitrates.
So, does anyone know what the deal is with this and is it a simple myth that aquarium plants do not help with nitrate, that they actually only help with ammonia (I don't have that problem) and may produce some, if very little oxygen, if you are very lucky. Is this just a way for livefishdealers to sell more stuff to people like me?
Not going to get rid of the plants - they are very nice to look at, but I do feel a little or a lot had.
Thanks for your comments.
I have been reading in my Aquarium Plants Manual and it states that plants do not extract nitrates - that plants on land do, but not aquarium plants. And, it shows damage to plant leaves from excess nitrates and it says that water changes are the only remedy. Yes, I do weekly partial water changes and keep my tank clean - I have nitrates because I have fish.
Ok, I love my plants, don't get me wrong. I spent, however a "bajillion" dollars on the lighting and plants and substrate and fertilizer, etc. specifically to get rid of the nitrates my fish produce. My book also says that I should not have many fish, probably because, guess what, they produce nitrates.
So, does anyone know what the deal is with this and is it a simple myth that aquarium plants do not help with nitrate, that they actually only help with ammonia (I don't have that problem) and may produce some, if very little oxygen, if you are very lucky. Is this just a way for livefishdealers to sell more stuff to people like me?
Not going to get rid of the plants - they are very nice to look at, but I do feel a little or a lot had.
Thanks for your comments.
