The best way to absorb nitrates in aquarium is to use live plants, especially fast-growing ones that can consume excess nutrients and improve water quality. Nitrates are the end product 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 not toxic to fish at low levels, but they can cause health problems and algae growth if they accumulate too high. Therefore, it is important to keep the nitrate levels in your aquarium under control by performing regular water changes and using a good filtration system. However, water changes and filters alone may not be enough to remove all the nitrates from your aquarium. That is why adding live plants can be a great solution to reduce nitrates naturally and effectively.
Live plants are not only beautiful and natural additions to your aquarium, but they also provide many benefits for nitrate removal and overall water quality. Some of the benefits of live plants are:
They absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, which reduces the need for frequent water changes and prevents algae growth.
They release oxygen into the water, which improves the dissolved oxygen level and supports the aerobic bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrite.
They provide shelter and hiding places for fish and other aquatic animals, which reduces stress and enhances their well-being.
They create a more balanced and stable ecosystem in your aquarium, which mimics the natural environment of your fish.
Not all live plants are equally effective at removing nitrates from your aquarium. Some plants are more suitable for certain types of aquariums, such as freshwater or saltwater, low-light or high-light, cold-water or tropical, etc. Some plants are also easier to care for than others, depending on your level of experience and availability of time. Here are some of the best live plants for nitrate removal that you can choose from:
Anacharis: Anacharis is a fast-growing and hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating on the surface. It has long and thin stems with bright green leaves that can reach up to 20 inches in length. It can absorb large amounts of nitrates and other nutrients from the water, making it one of the best plants for nitrate removal. It can also provide oxygen and shelter for your fish. However, it may need to be trimmed regularly to prevent it from overgrowing and blocking the light.
Hornwort: Hornwort is another fast-growing and hardy plant that can adapt to various water conditions. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating on the surface. It has needle-like leaves that grow along a central stem that can reach up to 10 feet in length. It can absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, as well as release oxygen and provide shelter for your fish. However, it may shed its leaves if the water temperature is too high or the light is too low, which can create a mess in your aquarium.
Java Fern: Java Fern is a slow-growing and low-maintenance plant that can tolerate low-light and low-tech aquariums. It can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations in your aquarium. It has broad and dark green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches in length. It can absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, as well as provide shelter and hiding places for your fish. However, it may not be as effective as fast-growing plants at removing nitrates, so it may need to be supplemented with other plants or methods.
Water Wisteria: Water Wisteria is a fast-growing and easy-to-care-for plant that can flourish in medium to high-light aquariums. It can be planted in the substrate or left floating on the surface. It has lace-like leaves that can grow up to 20 inches in length. It can absorb nitrates and other nutrients from the water, as well as release oxygen and provide shelter for your fish. However, it may need to be trimmed regularly to prevent it from overgrowing and shading other plants.
Live plants can be a great way to absorb nitrates in aquarium, but they also require some care and attention to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are some tips on how to care for live plants in aquarium:
Choose the right plants for your aquarium, considering the type, size, lighting, temperature, and compatibility of your aquarium and fish.
Acclimate the plants to your aquarium before planting them, by floating them in the water for a few hours or days, depending on the plant species.
Plant the plants in the appropriate location and depth in your aquarium, following the instructions of the plant supplier or the plant label.
Provide adequate lighting for your plants, using artificial or natural light sources, depending on the plant species and your aquarium setup.
Fertilize your plants regularly, using liquid or tablet fertilizers, depending on the plant species and your aquarium setup.
Prune your plants regularly, removing any dead, dying, or overgrown parts, to maintain their shape and health.
Monitor your plants for any signs of disease, pest, or algae infestation, and treat them accordingly, using natural or chemical methods, depending on the severity and type of the problem.
Conclusion
Live plants are one of the best ways to absorb nitrates in aquarium, as they can consume excess nutrients and improve water quality naturally and effectively. However, live plants also require some care and attention to keep them healthy and thriving. By choosing the right plants for your aquarium, acclimating them properly, planting them correctly, providing adequate lighting, fertilizing them regularly, pruning them regularly, and monitoring them for any problems, you can enjoy the benefits of live plants for nitrate removal and create a beautiful and balanced aquarium for your fish.
