plants/nitrate

[KurseD]

i've heard that plants can help keep nitrate levels down. is this true? i'm thinking of trying some out. what are the pros and cons of keeping live plants in an aquarium?

 

[danny boy]

you heard correct. the plants will digest the nitrates but if you are hoping to illuminate after changes then you have another thing coming..

 

[Lund]

I added plants to my 30 gallon for the same reason. My nitrates have been holding steady ever since. The only problem I have, is that my large pleco keeps ripping up my plants. Every morning I bundle them up, and replant the pieces.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Indeed, plants take up nitrates from the water they live in. Especially fast-growing and floating plants work well. You'll find water lettuce etc. in garden stores once pond season starts again.

Plants add to the environment of your fish and improve water quality. However, water changes are still important and remain to be the main way how you keep your water quality high.

Floating plants have the advantage that they cannot be uprooted by the cichlids you keep or your TSN. If you go for rooted plants, you'll have to protect them with rocks or keep them in pots.

Good luck,

HarleyK

 

[Hakon]

Plants thrive best with a little quantity of nitrate, which is some of their nutriment. Here is a thread about the same.

 

[KurseD]

great, thanks for all the great info...i'm actually setting up a seperate tank just so that i can grow out my aro, and i'm hoping some plants will keep the nitrates down...i know that nitrates arn't as lethal as nitrites, but i'm going for the best conditions possible for my next aro ($85 where i'm from)

 

[patrickjkelley]

yes

 

[rook45]

true

 

[Aiglos]

Look into getting Najas Grass, it sucks up nutrients like crazy, can float or be planted and it doesnt mind getting ripped up by plecos.