pothos-does it work? Is it worth it?

[brady]

I'll be setting up a new tank and have been thinking about using pothos "planted"
along the top of the tank with just the roots extending into the water.
Does this help in anyway re: water quality, ect.?
Jay

[brewmaster15]

I'll be setting up a new tank and have been thinking about using pothos "planted"
along the top of the tank with just the roots extending into the water.
Does this help in anyway re: water quality, ect.?
Jay

Hey Jay, They work great at reducing Nitrates. Pothos and Philodendron vines rooted in the tanks do improve water quality.. I did some tests awhile back where they took my nitrates in 29 gal breeders down 10-15 ppm. They look cool too!

al

[brady]

Al
I remembered your tank and that's were I got the idea.
See you on 3/18.
Jay

[brewmaster15]

Looking forward to it Jay...been a long time!

[brady]

What would be the best way to sterilize the plants?
Jay

[brewmaster15]

No need Jay, being terrestrial, they won't carry anything.. Best to just rinse the dirt off the roots very well or just cut the vines and root them in the tank.

al

[Jenene]

Hey Jay, They work great at reducing Nitrates. Pothos and Philodendron vines rooted in the tanks do improve water quality.. I did some tests awhile back where they took my nitrates in 29 gal breeders down 10-15 ppm. They look cool too!

al

I am thinking about doing this in my sump thanks to Ryan925 who suggested I try it. I have a light on the sump because I grew some java moss in there that I have since attached to my driftwood in the main tank. I like how my tank is kind of minimalist at the moment but love the benefits of the plant roots. I however have a black thumb. The only reason I think this will work is because I can't over or under water them! Win win! I can also throw away the ridiculously expensive, messy, crumbly No3 brink I have in there. So thanks for bring this topic back up- it was a good reminder. Guess I am going plant shopping! Is there one that is better than the other as far as growth, lighting requirements, ect?

[Lido]

I love the idea of using a refugium for fresh water. I always wondered why more freshwater guys don't have a section of plants and whatnot in their sump like the reefers. The benefit of lowering nitrate is awesome and it is much better looking than a sump simply stuffed with media or most certainly a canister.

This would be a super interesting Project. I think I am going to see if the wife will let me do another build just to do a "side by side." You know for research of course!!

I always have these thoughts after reading through a chain of posts and simply forget to answer the original topic (SQUIRREL!). I think that pathos would work terrific at lowering nitrates

[DatDiscusDude]

When you guys say root the plants...? Please explain. I thought these float at the top and the roots just sit in the water?

Also, when doing water changes, is it safe to move the plants or put in a bucket of water as you maintain the tank and then add them back?

[brewmaster15]

When you guys say root the plants...? Please explain. I thought these float at the top and the roots just sit in the water?

Also, when doing water changes, is it safe to move the plants or put in a bucket of water as you maintain the tank and then add them back?

Alls you need to do is take the vine, cut it and stick it in the tank and it will root when doing a wc, it can just stay in the tank... it will be fine without water on it for a bit



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[Mattgoanna]

I also use it for non filtered fighting fish tanks and it does a great job and the fish like to hide in the roots.

[navarro1950]

I actually use an eshopps R-200 refugium and a flu all FX6 on my 125 . In the refugium I planted wisteria ( hygrophilla difformis ) and it grows so fast you can watch it, it's also great for removing nitrates.

[Jenene]

I actually use an eshopps R-200 refugium and a flu all FX6 on my 125 . In the refugium I planted wisteria ( hygrophilla difformis ) and it grows so fast you can watch it, it's also great for removing nitrates.

Can you just float it or does it need a substrate? Just got all that stuff out of my sump. Just looking for floaters.

[Swedgin]

Can you just float it or does it need a substrate? Just got all that stuff out of my sump. Just looking for floaters.

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Pistia works great with half decent light

[Willie]

Is Pothos worth it if you're making large water changes daily? I like the look, but not sure if it adds anything in terms of water quality.

Willie