There are many benefits to having live plants in an aquarium. Apart from your aesthetic pleasure, live plants promote a healthy environment in an aquarium.
Aquarium wastes produce toxicity, and there is no escape from it. Ammonia, nitrite, and CO2 are significant toxic gases produced directly from several biological processes in an aquarium.
Nitrate is the outcome of a nitrogen cycle, which is less harmful than nitrite and ammonia. So establishing a nitrogen cycle in the aquarium is very crucial.
Still, it is essential to maintain the nitrate level in a safe range. While live plants can utilize ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to reduce harmful gas concentration.
Live plants also absorb carbon dioxide and add oxygen through the photosynthesis process. Many aquarists grasping the usefulness of live plants in an aquarium, search for suitable ones.
In this article, I’ll talk about the best aquarium plants to reduce nitrates. We hope your exploring is going to be more manageable with this.
Types of Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates
There are many types of aquatic plants to use in aquariums. All plants with green leaves can utilize bad gas like ammonia, nitrate, and carbon dioxide to add oxygen through the photosynthesis process.
Basically, aquarium plants can be categorized into four types:
- Algae
- Floating Plants
- Submerged Plants
- Emergent Plants
All aquarium plants are actually members of any one of these four groups. Here I listed some popular kinds of plants to consider the best aquarium plants to reduce nitrates.
Moss Balls
Moss balls are round in shape and look impressive. They are actually algae, clumped together, and forming squishy balls. Moss balls are very straightforward to maintain and perfect for beginners.
Moss balls grow very slowly, but usually, they grow healthy. Moss balls can establish a healthy aquarium environment as they are capable of absorbing nitrate and producing oxygen.
Aquatic Mosses
Several species of aquatic mosses are trendy in the aquarium trade. They are beneficial to reduce nitrates indeed. Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Crystalwort, etc., are the famous members of this group.
Most aquarium Mosses are very hardy plants and suitable for beginners. They can tolerate a wide variation of water conditions and require less care.
Frogbit
Frogbits are floating aquatic plants, and they have Lily pad-shaped leaves. These plants are also perfect nitrate remover and can establish a healthy aquatic environment. But these plants grow very fast and require trimming. Like all other floating plants, they have a unique aesthetic appeal.
Aquarium Grass
There are several species of aquarium grasses available to keep in home freshwater aquariums. Microsword, Dwarf Hairgrass, Monte Carlo, etc., are trendy grass-like aquarium plants.
Besides being excellent nitrate removers, grass plants make attractive carpeting effects in aquariums.
Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce are larger floating plants with long square leaves. These plants are visually beautiful and nicely decorate an aquarium. You can keep them in your aquarium to reduce nitrates as well.
Duckweed
Duckweeds are floating plants with round leaves. These plants grow very fast, and your aquarium will be full of an innumerable number of leaves in a quick time. Therefore they are excellent in nitrate absorbing but at the same time require frequent trimming.
Java Fern
Java Fern is a classic and popular aquarium plant. They are very versatile, and you can grow them submerged, partially submerged, and floating also.
Their large green leaves can absorb a significant amount of nitrates and other nutrients from the aquarium water. Java Ferns are very easy to care for, hence suitable for beginners.
Water Sprite
Water Sprites are a kind of fern with attractive leaves. Meanwhile, submerged plants are better for nitrate reduction than floating plants, and Water sprites are excellent for this purpose as they grow very fast. But they require trimming; otherwise, they might take over your aquarium to make a jungle.
4 Benefits of Having Nitrate Reducing Live Plants in the Aquarium
In nature, plants play a vital role as a part of the ecosystem. Similarly, live aquatic plants can establish a biological cycle that keeps the aquarium environment healthy and stable.
1) Establish A Natural Cycle
Live plants help to establish a natural nitrogen cycle in the aquarium, which is very crucial. A planted aquarium is actually a small ecosystem.
Fish and other aquarium inhabitants take dissolved oxygen (DO) from water and produce biological wastes. Ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and carbon dioxide are the ultimate forms of organic waste.
Whereas aquatic plants can absorb ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and carbon dioxide as their nutrients and add oxygen to the water.
2) Reduce Cleaning Frequency
Live plants, through their leaves, stems, and roots (or rhizoids), can absorb dissolved pollutants. Rooted plants take nutrients from the substrate also. Thus live plants are capable of purifying the aquarium water and eliminating harmful matters from the substrate.
Live plants can establish a healthy natural cycle in aquariums to perform biological filtration, reducing cleaning and maintenance requirements. An ideal aquaponics aquarium can do even without an additional filtration system.
3) A Natural Home for Inhabitants
Live plants create a natural environment in aquariums that makes fish and other inhabitants feel better. A natural home can give them feelings of security and comfort as they get places to take shelter and rest.
Some plants are excellent sources of snacks for your fish and create spawning sites for them.
4) Enhance Beauty
Last but not least, live aquatic plants can make your aquarium visually appealing. They can enhance your aesthetic pleasure in such a way that no other decors can do.
Pick the Best Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates
Now you know the ultimate benefit of keeping live plants in the aquarium. I have enlisted 15 aquarium plants with their online buying link. You can go through this section to pick a suitable match.
1. G&Z 24 Water Spangles (Salvinia Minima)
Water spangles are aesthetically pleasing, floating plants. They will make your aquarium look awesome and establish a natural biological process.
G&Z will provide 24 water spangles, and each spangle contains 4 to 6 leaves in a package. As they are floating plants, no substrate is necessary.
But there is a limitation with floating plants; you cannot use them in aquariums where the water current is strong. These plants are perfect for Betta fish tanks because people don’t use high-flow pumps in Betta tanks.
Water spangles are not suitable for ambient temperatures of less than 35 and more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. G&Z 12 Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
Frogbits are excellent for nitrate reduction as well as they are visually appealing. G&Z will provide 12 plants with three leaves for each in a lot.
They grow very fast, and your aquarium will be full of leaves in a short period. They can absorb unwanted and unhealthy byproducts as nutrients and establish a healthy home for fish.
As they are floating plants, the substrate is not a concern for them, and this specific type does not require any co2 supplementation.
After putting in aquariums, an initial die-off is usual for any plants, but they will be lush and vigorous once stabilized.
Frogbits require trimming as they are fast-growing, and too high water flow is not suitable for them.
3. AquaLeaf Aquatics Potted Tall Hairgrass
Hairgrass can make your aquarium look natural and beautiful while also providing the benefit of biological filtration. If you buy this product, you will get one potted plant with leaves that are 15″ to 18″ tall.
In the US condition, these plants grow naturally without any addition of pesticides or any other chemicals. If needed, you can add fertilizer tabs a couple of inches from the roots.
For taller aquariums, these grass plants are perfect for making a naturally healthy home for fish.
These giant Hairgrasses do well in medium light to high light and grow very fast. They may require regular trimming to stay in good shape.
4. Greenpro Dwarf Hairgrass Live Aquarium Plants
This product is dwarf Hairgrass. Dwarf Hirgrasses are excellent carpet plants that can give your aquarium a vibrant look, and at the same time, absorb nitrates and carbon dioxide.
As they are dwarf in size, thus suitable for any aquarium size and comfortable to maintain.
The manufacturer ensures that Greenpro Dwarf Hairgrass will not bring any algae, disease, pest, or snail into your aquarium.
These are tissue culture plants grown in the sterile process. Tissue Culture plants can quickly adapt to a new environment and develop healthily.
You can plant them in any substrates, driftwood, or rocks. These dwarf Hairgrass usually do better in high-light aquariums.
5. SubstrateSource Small Amazon Sword
‘Echinodorus Bleheri’ are South American plants and can be 8 inches to 20 inches tall.
These plants are bright green in appearance and can add a beautiful natural look in aquariums, and are perfect to have in freshwater community tanks.
These plants remain fully submerged in water, and while growing, they absorb nitrate nutrients to purify the water. Another benefit of these plans is that they can grow in a low-light environment.
It is better to plant them toward the aquarium’s back to take advantage of the deeper substrate and grow as background plants. The suppliers will supply you with potted plants grown in soil-free Rockwool media.
Follow the plant guide (provided with the box) when you will plant them in the aquarium.
6. AquaLeaf Aquatics Java Fern Bare Root
AquaLeaf Aquatics provides a young Java Fern of 4 to 6 inches in size.
Java Fern grows very slowly but is capable of excellent support in absorbing unwanted aquarium byproducts. They can root easily in driftwood, rocks, or any substrates.
The aesthetic appeal of Ferns in an aquarium is unarguable. They can create a unique natural waterscape. They make an ideal home for little fish and invertebrates, providing places to hide and rest.
As they are slow-growing plants, frequent trimming is not required, thus hassle-free to maintain.
You do not need to plant them, just put them in the water, and the rest they will do by themselves naturally. These Ferns are useable for Cichlids and larger South American fish but not suitable for extreme weather conditions.
As they are slow-growing plants and come small in size, they might disappoint you if you are looking for large plants.
7. Mainam Anubias Barteri Coin Leaves
Anubias barteri plants are from West Africa.
They are visually very appealing with round leaves and can thrive in aquariums. They are low light hardy plants and straightforward to maintain.
They grow very slowly and will not require frequent trimming.
Bright green leaves and white roots make them look beautiful, and they are capable of absorbing nitrates to build an aquarium healthy.
It is better to anchor the roots with the substrate instead of burying them. These plants will create a safe, natural home for your fish.
These plants usually thrive in any aquarium, but algae growth on the leaves is possible in a high-light environment, so better to remain careful about it.
8. Mainam Hygrophila Salicifolia Sp. Narrow Leaf
Salicifolia Narrow Leaf plants originated from Southeast Asia. They are gorgeous-looking aquatic plants and perfect for the aquarium background.
The narrow green leaves will flow like a willow when grown enough, and they grow very fast. So to keep these leaves in good shape, regular trimming is necessary.
Besides creating a natural perspective, they are quite capable of reducing nitrates. Fast-growing plants naturally require more foods than others, and they can absorb a significant amount of nitrates and other unwanted byproducts as nutrients.
It is not unusual for fast-growing plants to find dead leaves or stems sometimes, and fallen leaves or stems can adversely affect the aquarium environment, so you have to take care of this.
9. Aquarium Plants Factory Anubias Nana Petite
Anubias nana is a family member of Anubias barteri and originated from West Africa. Anubias nanas are visually lovely plants with compact bodies and large dark green leaves.
The provider Aquarium Plants Factory will give you one Anubias Nana ‘Petite’ on driftwood in this package. It is easy to place the plant anywhere in the aquarium without disturbing fish or the substrate with the driftwood base.
These plants are hardy and suitable for a variety of conditions. You can keep them fully submerged or partially. These are small plants and can cover the substrate entirely, making an ideal home for bottom-dwelling fish. At the same time, the deep green leaves can beautify an aquarium perfectly.
Anubias nana plants can remove pollutants and add oxygen to make a healthier environment in the aquarium.
10. Greenpro Live Aquarium Plants for Beginners (Anubias, Java Fern, Moss, and More!)
‘Greenpro’ provides different types of aquatic plants suitable for beginners, tied on driftwoods, so get it and drop it in your aquarium, done! These plants can beautify an aquarium perfectly and are quite popular among users.
Besides creating a natural look, they are also capable of establishing a natural filtration system. Green plants absorb pollutants like nitrate, ammonia, and carbon dioxide and add oxygen to the water.
The base driftwoods are natural, and they can add nutrients like cellulose and tannins to your fish, making them healthier. Like their natural home, fish will feel safe.
The size of these plants is a maximum of 10 inches, thus suitable for small aquariums also. It is better to rinse live plants thoroughly before you put them in the aquarium.
11. Planterest Amazon Sword Live Aquarium Plant
Echinodorus amazonicus, these plants are native to Central Americ and South America, known as ‘Amazon Sword.’
This product package includes one bundle of ‘amazon swords’ six inches long. Users are quite happy and provided positive feedback about this product.
Beautiful and green amazon swords can beautify your aquarium perfectly. They are usually fast-growing plants and can absorb a significant amount of nitrates. These plants can create a comfortable natural home for your fish.
You can plant them in any substrate type, including gravel, but preferable to plant them in loosely packed plant substrate.
12. Aqua L’amour Amazon Frogbit Live Aquarium Floating Plant
These plants are Frogbids provided by Aqua L’amour, and they will supply six plants with three leaves for each plant in a lot. Frogbids are very fast-growing plants and excellent at ammonia and nitrate removal from an aquarium.
These are floating plants, and they can cover your whole aquarium with small round leaves in a short period.
They are easy to grow but might require regular grooming. No CO2 supplementation is necessary, but frequent nutrient dosing will promote Amazon Frogbit’s growth.
Extreme ambient temperature is not suitable for Frogbits, so the supplier does not go for any shipment if the delivery area’s daytime temperature is below 35 or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
As these plants thrive in favorable conditions with so many leaves, you have to be careful of rotten leaves as they can pollute the aquarium water.
13. Greenpro Microsorum Pteropus Live Aquarium Plant
Microsorum Pteropus plants are java ferns that originated from Asia.
These aquatic plants are versatile to use in different types of aquariums. These plants can be grown up to 15 inches, and they are excellent nitrate absorbers. In this product package, you will get one potted plant 4 to 6 inches long.
Java ferns are easy to maintain, so if you are just a beginner, it is suitable for you as well. They grow on sands, gravels, driftwoods, or whatever substrate you use.
Healthy java ferns can establish a healthy biological cycle in aquariums. Not only are nitrates, but they also absorb Carbon dioxide and oxygenate the water through photosynthesis. On the other hand, they create a natural home for your fish giving shelter and security.
These plants’ visual appeal is exciting; shiny green leaves can take the beauty of your aquarium to a new level. The vendor brand achieved an excellent reputation for managed shipment and quality products.
14. Marimo Balls
Marimo balls are something special! In Japanese tales, they are a symbol of good luck and family bonding. As family heirlooms, they pass down from generation to generation, from children to grandchildren. Marimo balls become larger and larger and continue to grow with each generation.
Marimo balls represent the ‘everlasting love’ and are appropriate to serve as mementos of the newlywed’s special day.
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They are very straightforward to maintain and only require occasional water changes. Marimo balls can be excellent gifts for children to teach them how to grow their pets.
Marimo balls are super easy to take care of, do not require any special lighting, and are perfect for keeping in a freshwater aquarium.
These plants create an ideal home for fish in an aquarium, ensuring a healthy biological cycle. These plants usually grow very slowly.
15. Giant Marimo Moss Ball
Now I’ll talk about giant Marimo Balls! You can grow new Marimo balls from a larger one! Pinch off some and roll it into a round shape. It will grow as a new Marimo ball.
Marimo balls usually grow healthy, and they are hassle-free to maintain. Sometimes dead leaves of live plants cause toxicity, while it is less probable with Marimo.
Essential Consideration While Selecting the Aquarium Plants to Reduce Nitrates
Absorption capability:
When selecting live aquarium plants to reduce nitrates, the first criteria should be their nitrate absorption capacity.
Submerged plants are better nitrate absorbers than floating plants, as submerged plants can take dissolved nitrates through both their leaves and roots. In contrast, floating plants are capable of absorbing nitrates through their roots only.
Fast-growing plants are excellent nitrate absorbers, so if you can select fast-growing plants and submerging plants, they will be sound nitrate absorbers. Water sprites or Java fern can be an excellent choice considering this point.
Maintenance requirements:
As living beings, aquarium plants require maintenance like all other aquatic pets. If you cannot keep them healthy, dead leaves or stems can pollute the aquarium environment. So it is better to select plants that are easy to maintain.
If plants are fast-growing, regular trimming will be essential, or they will build a jungle quickly. Usually, floating plants like frogbits are fast-growing and cover the whole aquarium in a short time.
Visual appeal:
Live aquarium plants can enhance your aquarium’s beauty in a way that no other decors can do.
They can add an attractive natural look to your aquarium. So, the aesthetic is another important consideration when choosing the best aquarium plants to reduce nitrates.
Lighting requirement:
All live plants require light to flourish, as proper lighting can make them healthy, promoting photosynthesis. Plants add oxygen to the water through the photosynthesis process.
Some aquatic plants need a high light environment to grow properly, while many plants need only medium and low light situations.
So light available in your aquarium (or what you can afford) is an essential consideration while you are picking live plants.
Usually, high-light demanding plants grow well by CO2 supplementation. Not all aquarists are willing to install a CO2 system. So, think about it when picking your greeneries for the aquarium.
FAQs
Does adding plants help lower the aquarium nitrate level?
Live aquatic plants in an aquarium naturally absorb nitrate as a nutrient. Submerged plants can absorb dissolved nitrates by their leaves as well as by their roots. In favorable conditions, live aquatic plants can help a lot to reduce the nitrate level in aquariums.
You have to make sure live plants are healthy; otherwise, dead leaves and stems can add more nitrate, which will do evil instead of doing good. A proper way of aquarium planting is essential to prevent plants from withering and dying. If you are a beginner, check our article on how to plant aquarium plants.
What is the desired nitrate level in a planted tank?
It depends, actually! In fast-growing plants, the nitrate absorption rate is higher compared to others. In the best cases, aquarium plants can absorb five ppm nitrate per day.
Take reasonable measures to control nitrate formation sources and keep the nitrate formation rate under control. Hopefully, you will be able to keep the nitrate concentration from 10 to 25 ppm, which is acceptable.
Can high nitrate kill plants?
Nitrates are nutrients for plants. But if the nitrate concentration is too high and above 150 ppm, that can be harmful to plants. ‘Nutrient burn’ is the effect, and plant roots suffer from it and become unhealthy.
On the other hand, excess nitrate can cause algae growth, and too high algae in the water can cause asphyxiation for plants, and they might demise.
Final Words
Having live plants in the aquarium is an excellent idea. Plants can create a natural aquascape and can establish a natural ecosystem. Plants enhance the visual appeal of an aquarium and make it a natural habitat for aquatic pets.
I hope this article will help your venture of searching for the best aquarium plants to reduce nitrates.
Healthy aquatic plants can lower unwanted gas like nitrate, carbon dioxide, and ammonia simultaneously, and they add oxygen to your aquarium.
An oxygen-rich aquarium is a healthy home for fish and other species, and that is your ultimate desire as an aquarist.
Finally, I would be glad if you share your experience with aquarium plants. Which plants are the best nitrate-reducing plants, in your opinion? Please feel free to put comments.
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