Yes, aquarium plants do absorb nitrates as well as other nutrients from the water. This is one of the main benefits of having live plants in your aquarium, as they can help reduce the nitrate levels and improve the water quality. However, not all plants are equally effective at absorbing nitrates, and some factors can influence their uptake rate. In this article, we will explore how aquarium plants absorb nitrates, which plants are best for this purpose, and how to optimize their growth and health.
Aquarium plants absorb nitrates through their roots and leaves, depending on the species and the availability of nutrients. Nitrates are the final product of the nitrogen cycle, which converts ammonia and nitrite (toxic forms of nitrogen) into nitrate (less toxic form of nitrogen). Nitrates are essential for plant growth, as they provide nitrogen, one of the main components of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll. However, too much nitrate can be harmful for both plants and fish, as it can cause algae blooms, water pollution, and health problems.
Aquarium plants use nitrates as a source of nitrogen, along with other nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, and trace elements. They transport these nutrients from the water to their cells, where they are used for various metabolic processes. Some plants are more efficient at absorbing nitrates than others, depending on their morphology, physiology, and adaptation. For example, plants with large surface areas, such as floating plants and stem plants, can absorb more nitrates from the water column than plants with small surface areas, such as rosette plants and rhizome plants. Similarly, plants with fast growth rates, such as hornwort and water wisteria, can consume more nitrates than plants with slow growth rates, such as java fern and anubias.
Which Aquarium Plants Are Best for Absorbing Nitrates
There are many aquarium plants that can absorb nitrates from the water, but some are more effective than others. Here are some of the best aquarium plants for absorbing nitrates, based on their growth rate, surface area, and ease of care:
Hornwort: Hornwort is a fast-growing, floating plant that can absorb large amounts of nitrates from the water. It has thin, needle-like leaves that provide a lot of surface area for nutrient uptake. It does not require any substrate, fertilizer, or CO2 injection, making it very easy to care for. However, it can shed its leaves and create a mess in the tank, so it needs regular trimming and maintenance.
Water Wisteria: Water wisteria is a fast-growing, stem plant that can also absorb large amounts of nitrates from the water. It has broad, lace-like leaves that provide a lot of surface area for nutrient uptake. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating in the water, depending on your preference. It requires moderate lighting, fertilizer, and CO2 injection, making it moderately easy to care for. However, it can grow out of control and overtake the tank, so it needs regular pruning and thinning.
Duckweed: Duckweed is a very fast-growing, floating plant that can absorb huge amounts of nitrates from the water. It has tiny, round leaves that cover the surface of the water, blocking out light and reducing evaporation. It does not require any substrate, fertilizer, or CO2 injection, making it very easy to care for. However, it can be very invasive and hard to remove, as it reproduces rapidly and spreads easily. It can also block the gas exchange and oxygenation of the water, so it needs careful monitoring and management.
Anacharis: Anacharis is a fast-growing, stem plant that can absorb large amounts of nitrates from the water. It has long, slender stems with whorls of narrow leaves that provide a lot of surface area for nutrient uptake. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating in the water, depending on your preference. It requires low to moderate lighting, fertilizer, and CO2 injection, making it easy to care for. However, it can grow very tall and reach the surface of the water, so it needs regular trimming and replanting.
Java Moss: Java moss is a slow-growing, moss plant that can absorb moderate amounts of nitrates from the water. It has small, branching stems with tiny leaves that provide some surface area for nutrient uptake. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations, or left loose in the water, depending on your preference. It requires low to moderate lighting, fertilizer, and CO2 injection, making it easy to care for. However, it can be difficult to clean and maintain, as it can trap debris and algae, so it needs gentle brushing and trimming.
How to Optimize Aquarium Plants’ Growth and Health
Aquarium plants can absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, but they also need some optimal conditions to grow and thrive. Here are some tips on how to optimize aquarium plants’ growth and health:
Provide adequate lighting: Lighting is one of the most important factors for aquarium plants, as it provides the energy for photosynthesis. Different plants have different lighting requirements, ranging from low to high, depending on their natural habitat and adaptation. Generally, you should provide 8 to 12 hours of lighting per day, using a suitable spectrum and intensity for your plants. You can use LED, fluorescent, or metal halide lights, depending on your budget and preference. You should also avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause temperature fluctuations, algae growth, and nutrient depletion.
Add fertilizer and CO2: Fertilizer and CO2 are also essential for aquarium plants, as they provide the carbon and other nutrients for growth and development. Different plants have different fertilizer and CO2 requirements, ranging from low to high, depending on their nutrient uptake and growth rate. Generally, you should add a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and trace elements, following the manufacturer’s instructions and dosage. You can use liquid, tablet, or granular fertilizers, depending on your convenience and preference. You should also add CO2, either by using a pressurized system, a DIY system, or a liquid supplement, depending on your budget and preference. You should aim for a CO2 level of 10 to 30 ppm, using a drop checker or a test kit to monitor it.
Maintain proper water parameters: Water parameters are also important for aquarium plants, as they affect their health and performance. Different plants have different water parameter preferences, ranging from soft to hard, acidic to alkaline, and cool to warm, depending on their origin and adaptation. Generally, you should maintain a water temperature of 72 to 82°F, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, a hardness of 3 to 10 dGH, and a nitrate level of less than 20 ppm, using a heater, a filter, and a test kit to control and measure them. You should also perform regular water changes, of 10 to 20% per week, to remove excess nitrates and other wastes, and replenish the water quality.
Choose compatible plants and fish: Choosing compatible plants and fish is also crucial for aquarium plants, as they can affect each other’s well-being and behavior. Different plants and fish have different compatibility levels, ranging from friendly to hostile, depending on their size, temperament, and diet. Generally, you should choose plants and fish that have similar water parameter requirements, lighting requirements, and growth rates, to avoid stress and competition. You should also avoid plants and fish that can harm each other, such as herbivorous fish that can eat plants, or aggressive fish that can uproot plants. You should also provide enough space and hiding places for both plants and fish, to ensure their comfort and security.
Aquarium plants do absorb nitrates, as well as other nutrients, from the water, which can help improve the water quality and reduce the nitrate levels. However, not all plants are equally effective at absorbing nitrates, and some factors can influence their uptake rate. Therefore, you should choose the best aquarium plants for absorbing nitrates, such as hornwort, water wisteria, duckweed, anacharis, and java moss, and provide them with optimal conditions for their growth and health, such as adequate lighting, fertilizer, CO2, water parameters, and compatibility. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of having live plants in your aquarium, such as enhancing the aesthetics, creating a natural environment, and providing oxygen and shelter for your fish.
