Yes, floating plants can absorb ammonia from the water, as well as nitrite and nitrate. They are efficient natural filters that can improve water quality and oxygen levels in your aquarium.
In this article, you will learn more about how floating plants use ammonia, what are the benefits and drawbacks of having them in your tank, and what are some of the best floating plants for ammonia removal.
Ammonia is a toxic compound that is produced by fish waste, decaying organic matter, and tap water. It can harm your fish and shrimp by damaging their gills, organs, and immune system. Therefore, it is important to keep ammonia levels as low as possible in your aquarium.
One way to do that is by using floating plants. Floating plants are aquatic plants that do not need to be rooted in the substrate. They float on the surface of the water, where they have access to abundant light and carbon dioxide. This allows them to grow fast and use a lot of nutrients, including ammonia.
Floating plants can absorb ammonia directly from the water through their leaves or roots. They use ammonia as a source of nitrogen, which is essential for their growth and protein synthesis. Some floating plants can also absorb nitrite and nitrate, which are the less toxic forms of nitrogen that are produced by the beneficial bacteria in your filter.
By using ammonia and other nitrogen compounds, floating plants can reduce the need for chemical filtration and water changes. They can also prevent algae growth by competing for nutrients and shading the lower parts of the tank.
Floating plants have many benefits for your aquarium, such as:
Improving water quality and clarity by removing ammonia and other pollutants.
Providing oxygen for your fish and shrimp by releasing it during photosynthesis.
Creating a natural and attractive look for your tank by adding greenery and texture.
Offering shelter and hiding places for your fish and shrimp, especially for shy or timid species.
Providing food for some fish and shrimp that like to nibble on plant matter or microorganisms that live on the plants.
Reducing stress and aggression among your fish and shrimp by breaking the line of sight and creating territories.
However, floating plants also have some drawbacks, such as:
Blocking light and reducing the growth of other plants that are rooted in the substrate or attached to driftwood or rocks.
Taking over the tank and becoming invasive if not controlled or trimmed regularly.
Clogging the filter intake or outflow if they get sucked in or blown away by the water current.
Interfering with the feeding and maintenance of your tank by covering the surface and making it hard to access.
Being sensitive to changes in water parameters, such as temperature, pH, hardness, and salinity.
Best Floating Plants for Ammonia Removal
There are many types of floating plants that you can choose from, depending on your preferences and tank conditions. Some of the best floating plants for ammonia removal are:
Duckweed: This is one of the smallest and simplest floating plants, with tiny round leaves that form dense mats on the water surface. It is very easy to grow and can multiply rapidly, but it can also be hard to get rid of once it is established. It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and temperatures, but it prefers calm and nutrient-rich water. It can provide food for some fish, such as goldfish and koi, but it can also be eaten by snails and shrimp.
Water lettuce: This is a larger and more decorative floating plant, with rosettes of green, velvety leaves that resemble lettuce heads. It has long and feathery roots that hang down in the water, providing shelter and filtration. It can grow well in moderate to high light and warm water, but it can be sensitive to cold and hard water. It can also be affected by strong water movement and surface agitation. It can be eaten by some fish, such as cichlids and catfish, but it can also be toxic to some animals, such as turtles and frogs.
Red root floater: This is a unique and beautiful floating plant, with round and slightly cupped leaves that can turn red under high light and low nitrogen. It has short and reddish roots that contrast with the green leaves. It can grow well in medium to high light and soft to moderately hard water, but it can be sensitive to high temperatures and high nitrogen. It can also be damaged by water splashes and bubbles. It can provide food for some fish and shrimp that like to graze on the roots and leaves.
Frogbit: This is a popular and versatile floating plant, with round and glossy leaves that float on the water surface. It has long and thin roots that provide filtration and cover for your fish and shrimp. It can grow well in low to high light and cool to warm water, but it can be affected by low humidity and high salinity. It can also be prone to melting and rotting if the leaves get wet or submerged. It can provide food for some fish and shrimp that like to eat the roots and leaves.
These are just some of the floating plants that you can use to absorb ammonia in your aquarium. You can also try other floating plants, such as water hyacinth, water spangles, salvinia, azolla, and more. Just make sure to do your research and choose the plants that suit your tank and your needs.
Conclusion
Floating plants are a great addition to your aquarium, as they can absorb ammonia and other nutrients from the water, improving the water quality and oxygen levels. They can also offer many other benefits, such as aesthetic value, shelter, food, and stress reduction for your fish and shrimp. However, they can also have some drawbacks, such as light blocking, overgrowth, filter clogging, and maintenance interference. Therefore, you need to choose the right floating plants for your tank and keep them under control and in balance with your other plants and animals. By doing so, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of floating plants without the hassle and problems.
