15 Best Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates
Having a well-planted aquarium is not just pleasing to the eye, but also an effective way to reduce nitrates. By choosing the right plants, you can maintain a healthier environment for your aquatic pets. Here are the 15 best aquarium plants that can help you achieve this goal.
Java Fern
Java Fern is a popular choice among aquarists for its hardiness and adaptability. Able to survive in various water conditions, this plant is great at absorbing excess nitrates, providing better water quality for your fish. Not only that, but it also offers a natural shelter for smaller fish and fry.
- Care Level: Easy, suitable for beginners
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Temperature Range: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate, adaptable to different lightings
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates and trace elements, tolerates low nutrient levels
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division
- Substrate: Not necessary; attach to rocks, driftwood, or other surfaces using thread or glue
Waterweeds
Waterweeds, also known as Elodea or Anacharis, are versatile and fast-growing plants perfect for reducing nitrates. They are an oxygenating plant, making them beneficial for maintaining healthy water quality. Waterweeds are also popular among aquarists as they provide a great hiding spot for smaller fish and invertebrates.
- Care Level: Easy, making them suitable for beginners
- Growth Rate: Fast, providing rapid nutrient absorption
- Temperature Range: 59-82°F (15-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate, adapts to various lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Stem cutting and replanting
- Substrate: Not required, but can be planted in fine gravel or soil if preferred
Hornwort
Hornwort is a hardy and versatile plant that helps reduce nitrates in your aquarium. Its unique appearance, with needle-like leaves, provides a striking visual element while offering shelter and spawning grounds for fish. Hornwort also has allelopathic properties, which can inhibit the growth of algae.
- Care Level: Easy, making it ideal for beginners
- Growth Rate: Fast, ensuring rapid nutrient absorption
- Temperature Range: 59-86°F (15-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high, adaptable to different lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, necessary for rapid growth and nitrate reduction
- Propagation Method: Stem cutting and replanting
- Substrate: Not required; can be left floating, but can also be planted in substrate if desired
Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria is a beautiful and versatile plant that contributes to nitrate reduction in aquariums. Its attractive lace-like leaves provide a visually appealing element and ample shelter for fish. Water Wisteria is known for its ability to adapt to various conditions, making it a great addition to a variety of tanks.
- Care Level: Easy, suitable for beginners
- Growth Rate: Fast, promoting efficient nitrate absorption
- Temperature Range: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate; performs well under various lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Stem cutting and replanting
- Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich substrates such as fine gravel or soil
Duckweed
Duckweed is a tiny floating plant that is highly effective at reducing nitrates in aquariums. It can act as a natural water purifier, absorbing excess nutrients, and reducing algae growth. Duckweed also provides a food source for some fish species and a place for small aquatic creatures to hide.
- Care Level: Easy, requires minimal maintenance
- Growth Rate: Fast, offering efficient nitrate absorption
- Temperature Range: 50-86°F (10-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate, prefers bright indirect light
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and essential micronutrients
- Propagation Method: Duckweed reproduces rapidly through division
- Substrate: Not required, as it is a floating plant
Water Sprite
Water Sprite, also known as Indian Fern, is an adaptable plant that helps reduce nitrates in aquariums. Its fine, feather-like leaves and delicate structure add visual interest to the tank while providing cover for fish and invertebrates. Water Sprite can be either planted or left floating in the aquarium, depending on your preference.
- Care Level: Easy, suitable for beginners
- Growth Rate: Fast, ensuring rapid nutrient absorption
- Temperature Range: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate, can tolerate different lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and essential trace elements
- Propagation Method: Cutting side shoots and replanting or allowing them to float
- Substrate: Can be planted in nutrient-rich substrates but is not required
Anubias
Anubias is a hardy and attractive plant that excels at reducing nitrates in aquariums. With its broad leaves, it provides ample hiding spots for fish and invertebrates. Additionally, Anubias can grow on various surfaces such as rocks, driftwood, and substrate, making it extremely versatile.
- Care Level: Easy, perfect for beginners
- Growth Rate: Slow, requires minimal maintenance
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate, can tolerate different lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Rhizome division
- Substrate: Not necessary, as it can attach to surfaces, but can be planted in the substrate as well
Dwarf Water Lettuce
Dwarf Water Lettuce is a fast-growing floating plant that effectively reduces nitrates in aquariums. Its distinctive appearance, with tiny, round leaves and trailing roots, adds beauty and interest to the water surface. These roots also provide shelter and hiding spots for smaller fish and invertebrates.
- Care Level: Easy to moderate, may require occasional trimming
- Growth Rate: Fast, ensuring efficient nitrate absorption
- Temperature Range: 64-84°F (18-29°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high, prefers bright indirect light
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Division, as new growths form naturally
- Substrate: Not required, as it is a floating plant
Marimo Moss Ball
Marimo Moss Balls are unique spherical algae that effectively reduce nitrates while adding a touch of whimsy to your aquarium. Their dense structure absorbs nutrients and provides a home for beneficial bacteria, helping to maintain water quality. Marimo Moss Balls are also great hiding spots for small fish and shrimp.
- Care Level: Easy, perfect for beginners
- Growth Rate: Slow, requires minimal maintenance
- Temperature Range: 64-86°F (18-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate, can tolerate a range of lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Gently dividing balls into smaller pieces
- Substrate: Not required, as they can freely roll along the aquarium floor
Amazon Frogbits
Amazon Frogbits are floating plants that effectively reduce nitrates while adding a lush, green look to your aquarium’s surface. Their sponge-like leaves absorb excess nutrients, helping to maintain water quality. Frogbits also provide a safe haven for fish, shrimp, and fry to hide among their dangling roots.
- Care Level: Easy, making them perfect for beginners
- Growth Rate: Fast, contributing to efficient nitrate absorption
- Temperature Range: 68-86°F (20-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high, preferring bright indirect light
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, phosphates, and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Natural division as plants produce runners and new growths
- Substrate: Not required, as it is a floating plant
Java Moss
Java Moss is an extremely versatile and hardy plant that can help reduce nitrates in an aquarium. It can cling to various surfaces, such as rocks and driftwood, creating a beautiful green carpet effect. Java Moss also offers excellent hiding places for small fish and invertebrates, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
- Care Level: Easy, perfect for beginners
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, low maintenance plant
- Temperature Range: 64-86°F (18-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate, adapts to different lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, trace elements, and other essential nutrients
- Propagation Method: Fragmentation, attaching small pieces to new surfaces
- Substrate: Not required, as it attaches to surfaces or can be left floating
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne, also known as “Crypts,” is a popular and adaptable plant species that can effectively reduce nitrates in aquariums. Its lush, wavy leaves create a stunning backdrop and provide shelter for fish and invertebrates. Cryptocoryne species are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of water conditions.
- Care Level: Easy to moderate, some species may require more attention
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, depending on species and conditions
- Temperature Range: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Low to moderate, tolerates various lighting conditions
- Nutrient Requirements: Nitrates, essential trace elements, and root nutrients
- Propagation Method: Root division and replanting
- Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich substrates like fine gravel or soil
Eelgrass (Vallisneria)
Eelgrass, also known as Vallisneria, is an ideal aquarium plant for reducing nitrates. With its long, ribbon-like leaves, this plant adds beauty and texture to your tank while providing a natural habitat for fish and invertebrates to explore. Vallisneria is versatile and adapts well to different water conditions, making it a popular choice for various aquarium setups.
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 64-82°F (18-28°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low to moderate
- Propagation Method: Runners
- Substrate: Sand or gravel
Ruffled Aponogeton (Aponogeton Crispus)
The Ruffled Aponogeton, scientifically known as Aponogeton Crispus, is a beautiful aquatic plant that effectively reduces nitrates in your aquarium. Its unique ruffled leaves make it an attractive addition to any tank, while its easy care requirements make it suitable for beginner aquarists.
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Temperature Range: 68-79°F (20-26°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate
- Nutrient Requirements: Low
- Propagation Method: Seed propagation or splitting of the tuber
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or planted aquarium soil
Salvinia
Salvinia, a floating aquatic plant, serves as a great addition to tanks that require nitrate reduction. Its fast growth rate allows it to effectively help in maintaining optimal water quality, and its small, delicate leaves provide a visually appealing element to your aquarium.
In addition to its nitrate-reducing capabilities, Salvinia also provides shade, serving as a refuge for fish and reducing the growth of algae.
- Care Level: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Temperature Range: 64-86°F (18-30°C)
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high
- Nutrient Requirements: Moderate
- Propagation Method: Surface floating, naturally divides to create new plants
- Substrate: Not necessary, as Salvinia is a floating plant
What are Nitrates and Why Reduce the Nitrate Level in Your Aquarium?
Nitrates are compounds that occur naturally in aquariums as part of the nitrogen cycle. They are formed in the water when beneficial bacteria break down fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying plants.
Although nitrates are less toxic than ammonia and nitrites, high nitrate levels can cause stress to fish and other aquatic life. It can also lead to algae blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water and reduce overall water quality.
It’s essential to keep the nitrate levels in your aquarium under control to maintain a healthy and thriving aquatic environment. One effective way to achieve this is by introducing aquarium plants that absorb nitrates.
Aquarium plants act as natural filters, absorbing excess nitrates through their roots and leaves. They utilize these compounds for growth, letting them remove nitrates from the water efficiently. This not only enhances water quality but also creates a balanced and visually appealing ecosystem in your tank.
To help you decide which plant species will best reduce the nitrate levels in your aquarium, let’s look at some top contenders in the next section.
What Aquarium Plants Absorb the Most Nitrates?
Various aquatic plants, including Anubias, Java Fern, Hornwort, Water Wisteria, Vallisneria, Salvinia, and Duckweed, are highly effective in reducing nitrate levels due to their adaptability and fast growth rate.
These plants not only enhance water quality by absorbing nitrates but also improve the tank’s aesthetics and provide shelter for the aquarium inhabitants, with some also offering the added benefit of inhibiting unwanted algae growth.
- Anubias is a popular choice for reducing nitrates due to its hardiness and adaptability. They can grow attached to rocks, driftwoods, or simply anchored to the substrate.
- Java Fern is another well-known nitrate absorber and is also highly adaptable. It can endure a wide range of water parameters, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
- Hornwort is a fast-growing, hardy plant that excels in removing nitrates. This floating plant is easy to care for and has the added benefit of providing extra cover for fish.
- Water Wisteria is another fast-growing plant that is proficient in removing nitrates from the water. Its lush leaves can bring a splash of greenery to your aquarium while improving water quality.
- Vallisneria, which resembles long ribbons of grass, is an excellent choice for nitrate reduction. This easy-to-care-for plant also provides shelter for fish and invertebrates.
- Salvinia, a floating plant with small, round leaves, is useful for reducing nitrates and providing shade. This helps inhibit the growth of unwanted algae in the tank.
- Duckweed is a well-known and widely used nitrate-absorber. Its rapid growth rate ensures efficient nitrate removal, but it may require regular pruning to prevent overgrowth.
When choosing aquarium plants for nitrate removal, you should consider other factors like plant compatibility, preferred lighting conditions, and growth rate. It’s essential to find a good balance between aesthetics and functionality, while providing the optimal environment for your aquatic organisms.
What are the Alternatives to Plants to Reduce Nitrates in Aquariums?
To control nitrate levels in aquariums, regular water changes and proper tank maintenance, such as cleaning the substrate and removing organic waste, are essential.
Additionally, optimized feeding practices, installation of a denitrifying filter, adding nitrate-removing media to the existing filter, and careful use of nitrate-removing chemicals can also aid in reducing nitrate concentration, thus maintaining a healthier aquarium environment.
- Regular water changes are the most common and effective way to reduce nitrate levels in aquariums. Replacing a portion of the tank water with fresh, dechlorinated water dilutes the concentration of nitrates and other waste products in the tank.
- Proper tank maintenance includes cleaning the substrate, removing decaying organic matter, and vacuuming uneaten food. This can help prevent the buildup of waste materials that contribute to high nitrate levels.
- Optimizing feeding practices can also reduce nitrates in your aquarium. Feeding your fish only what they can consume within a few minutes and avoiding overfeeding will minimize excess food waste that contributes to nitrates.
- Installing a denitrifying filter is another option for reducing nitrates. These filters contain special media that harbor anaerobic bacteria, which break down nitrates into nitrogen gas that is released into the atmosphere.
- Adding nitrate-removing media to your existing filter can help reduce nitrates. Various products specifically designed to remove nitrates from aquariums include resins, pads, and bio-media.
- Using nitrate-removing chemicals is another alternative. Some liquid or powder-based products claim to lower nitrate levels, but be cautious when using these chemicals as they might mask underlying issues that cause nitrate buildup.
It’s crucial to remember that using plants to reduce nitrates in the aquarium is only one aspect of maintaining a balanced and healthy water environment. Combining different methods like regular water changes, proper tank maintenance, and optimizing feeding practices will ultimately lead to the best results in keeping nitrate levels in check.
Conclusion
Incorporating these plants into your aquarium helps reduce nitrates and maintain a healthy environment. Which of these plants have you tried, or which ones would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!
