Chozon1

I was wondering if someone could suggest a plant that eats up a lot of nitrates. My tapwater has a low percentage of it, so I'm constantly adding it so the tank when I do water changes. I've got a java fern, an Anubias nana and a two inch piece of of anacharis (all that survived my cycle, for some reason) at the moment.

If it was easy to get a hold of...that'd be even better.

aquarist48

Hello Chozon1. I'm not sure that one particular plant will eat up more nitrates than another. I wish I could help you more. I'll be looking forward to responses that you receive.
Hope you're doing well!
Ken

Chozon1

Thanks Aquarist. ^_^ Doing good. Fish love the aquarium.

mathas

The reason they survived your cycle is that plants love ammonia and nitrate. A cycling tank is practically ideal circumstances for many species of plants. Read this article if you want to learn more.

That said, the faster a plant grows, the faster it will consume nitrogen. Some common, fast-growing plants include wisteria, hornwort, water sprite, or even floating plants like duckweed. Be aware that some of those plants tend to be messy (hornwort) or very tough to get rid of (duckweed), but they're all relatively good at absorbing nitrogen.

coffeebean

you want any fast growing stem plant

Chozon1

Cool! Tons of info. ^_^ Thank you!

That's pretty much exactly what I needed.

And actually, I was surprised more of it didn't survive. I bought two bunches, and all of it except that tiny piece melted. -_-

TedsTank

Watersprite is a wonderful fast grower. Either plant it or let it float.....long thick tangles of roots will develope if you float it and it likes good light....great home for baby fish too.

Chozon1

Sweet. I think I can actually get Watersprite at the Petsmart here.

Chozon1

Found a wisteria at Petco. Not, thankfully, in the tanks but inside a plastic tube. Scientific name matched up, so I bought it. It's pretty, but disconcertingly similar to salad greens I eat...

TedsTank

lol...Once it gets growning good you will have plenty to eat!!! The matures leaves will actually put out babies.
Mathas mentioned duckweed..heed the warning!!!..it is a very good plant for what you are looking for....but a mess!!...the little plants get stuck on and in everything...I had some growing for a while and took forever to get rid of. Their suggestion was good to use it but be prepared!!
Frogbit might work too if you can find it...grows like large duckweed and is managable.

Chozon1

I'd love to find more plants. I just don't have a good local store. Thanks for all the suggestions and help, though. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for this stuff.