Ok this is one I know nothing about but my buddy gave me a quick breakdown of putting house plants in your sump to keep nitrates down and also keep the water crystal clear has anyone hear of doing this? If so what kind of plants do I get and how many would I need to even be effective in my 560? Its sounds like a great idea to not have to worry about carbon and other things
plants in your sump
- Thread starter wheatgerm
- Start date
I think ill give it a try too. I have a 75 gallon filled full of bio and scrubbies and I have a 55 that connects to my 75. So its like a 2 stage 130 gallon sump. I plan on loading the 55 with the "house plants" has anyone used this already and noticed more clear water
In the saltwater world, mangroves are used. Not sure if they would work in a freshwater setup or not.
In a tank that size, I'd work with Ivy, and clip it back as needed. Carbon does help clarify your water, but Purigen is better at it.
depending where your sump is you may need to invest in a shop light or 2 to keep your plants alive, and not rotting. I have water hyacinte ( or however it's spelled) in my tank to help with nitrates. and my fish like hideing under it. Just about any plant that is a submergent or floats works well in these applications.
Another good vining houseplant for this type of use is the Varigated Philodendron. If you use the the MFK Search Engine at the top left of your page and look under the topic of planted tanks -or- planted aquariums you may find some threads worth reading for what you're trying to do. MFK member "firemedic" and others have a good thread for reading about this topic. He used it in his Sting Ray Tanks. Worked excellent in keeping nitrates and nitrites to zero levels. I hope this helps you out with what you're looking for.
