Pothos plants can remove nitrates from aquarium water by absorbing them through their roots. They can lower nitrate levels by 20 to 40 ppm within 4 to 5 days. Pothos plants are popular houseplants that can also be used in aquariums to improve water quality and provide other benefits. In this article, we will explore how pothos plants work to remove nitrates, how to add them to your aquarium, and what other advantages they offer.
What are Nitrates and Why are They Bad for Aquariums?
Nitrates are chemical compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen. They are formed in aquariums as a result of the nitrogen cycle, which is the process of breaking down organic waste such as fish food, fish waste, and decaying plant matter. Nitrates are the final product of this cycle, after ammonia and nitrite are converted by beneficial bacteria.
Nitrates are not as toxic as ammonia or nitrite, but they can still cause problems for fish and plants if they accumulate too much. High levels of nitrates can stress fish, reduce their immunity, cause algae blooms, and inhibit plant growth. Nitrates can also affect the pH and hardness of the water, making it more acidic and soft.
The ideal nitrate level for most freshwater aquariums is below 20 ppm (parts per million). Some fish can tolerate higher levels, but it is best to keep them as low as possible. The only way to remove nitrates from aquarium water is to perform regular water changes, or to use plants or other methods that can consume or reduce them.
How do Pothos Plants Remove Nitrates from Aquarium Water?
Pothos plants are one of the most effective and easy ways to remove nitrates from aquarium water. Pothos plants are also known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos, or Epipremnum aureum. They are trailing vines that can grow up to 40 feet in length, with heart-shaped leaves that are green or variegated with yellow or white.
Pothos plants are not true aquatic plants, but they can adapt to living in water as long as their leaves are kept above the water surface. They can grow roots from their stems, which can be submerged in the aquarium water or placed in a filter or a container. The roots will absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, using them to grow and produce new leaves.
Pothos plants can remove nitrates from aquarium water very quickly, as they are fast-growing plants that need a lot of nutrients. Within 4 to 5 days, pothos plants can lower nitrate levels by 20 to 40 ppm, according to some sources. This can make a significant difference in the water quality and the health of the fish and plants.
How to Add Pothos Plants to Your Aquarium?
Adding pothos plants to your aquarium is very easy and inexpensive. You can buy a pothos plant from a local nursery or online, or you can take a cutting from an existing plant. You do not need a very large or mature plant, as pothos plants can grow very fast from a single leaf or stem.
To add pothos plants to your aquarium, you need to follow these steps:
Wash the roots of the pothos plant thoroughly to remove any soil or dirt that may contaminate the water.
Cut the stem of the pothos plant at a node, which is the point where a leaf or a root emerges. Make sure the cutting has at least one leaf and one node.
Place the cutting in the aquarium water, making sure the leaf is above the water surface and the node is submerged. You can use a suction cup, a clip, or a weight to secure the cutting to the side of the tank or the filter. You can also place the cutting in a container with water and hang it above the tank.
Provide enough light for the pothos plant to grow. Pothos plants can tolerate low to medium light, but they will grow faster and more variegated with brighter light. You can use the aquarium light or a nearby window as a light source.
Trim the pothos plant regularly to prevent it from overgrowing and taking over the tank. You can also propagate new cuttings from the trimmed stems and add them to the same or another aquarium.
What are the Other Benefits of Pothos Plants in Aquariums?
Besides removing nitrates from aquarium water, pothos plants can also provide other benefits for your aquarium, such as:
Providing shade and cover for fish. Some fish, such as bettas, angelfish, and severums, prefer shaded areas in the tank, as they mimic their natural habitats. Pothos plants can create a canopy of leaves that can offer shade and shelter for fish, making them feel more comfortable and secure.
Reducing algae growth. Algae are microscopic plants that can grow in aquariums, especially when there are high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and light. Algae can be unsightly and harmful for fish and plants, as they can compete for nutrients and oxygen, and produce toxins. Pothos plants can reduce algae growth by consuming nitrates and phosphates, and by blocking some of the light that algae need to thrive.
Aeration and oxygenation. Pothos plants can help aerate and oxygenate the water column, especially when they are planted underwater. During photosynthesis, pothos plants use carbon dioxide from the water and release oxygen, which can benefit fish and plants. Although pothos plants also release carbon dioxide at night, the amount is much less than the amount they consume during the day.
Beautification and decoration. Pothos plants can add a touch of greenery and natural beauty to your aquarium, as they have attractive and colorful leaves that can contrast with the water and the fish. Pothos plants can also create a sense of depth and dimension in the tank, as they can trail along the back or the sides of the tank, or hang from above.
Pothos plants are a great addition to any aquarium, as they can remove nitrates from the water and provide other benefits for fish and plants. Pothos plants are easy to grow and maintain, and they can adapt to different water conditions and light levels. Pothos plants can lower nitrate levels by 20 to 40 ppm within 4 to 5 days, which can improve the water quality and the health of the aquarium inhabitants. Pothos plants can also provide shade, reduce algae, aerate the water, and beautify the tank. If you are looking for a natural and effective way to remove nitrates from your aquarium, you should consider adding pothos plants to your tank.
