Plants used in sump fillter systems

[Murray]

Hey every one im new to all this, i was just wondering if any one uses plants in there sump fillter systems.

 

[epond83]

I've seen a few, salt water guys often use macro algea. You need a light down there to make it grow. Get some fast growing stuff like whisteria, or hornwort and it can really help with nitrates.

 

[carsona246]

You don't even need a sump if you want plants. I used to cram wisteria, and cabomba in my ten gallon and it helped a ton with water parameters. Never did a waterchange for nitrate removal.

 

[aclockworkorange]

You can absolutely put plants in your sump. As mentioned, you will need a light. Get something that grows really fast. If you were to set up a full refugium, you could even breed some small shrimp and blackworms down there as well.

 

[skiptomyzoo]

And some people have crabs down there.

Guessing you mean freshwater though so here is a thread about putting pothos in a sump
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393809

 

[Will@FSA]

For freshwater I use water sprite in my sump with 24 hour grow light. Works like a charm.

 

[carsona246]

hey just so you know I'm pretty sure plants are supposed to have a dark period. I think 18 hours is supposed to be the longest photoperiod that is beneficial to plants

 

[JamesF]

Once you pass the 12 hour mark, most plants shut down. You can actually see stem plants fold their leaves down to the stem after 11 hours or so.