what plants help with ammonia?

Talk about your fresh water plants here
kidkeeper
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:30 pm

what plants help with ammonia?

Post by kidkeeper »

I've been struggling with ammonia spikes in my 20 gallon tank. What plants are best for soaking up ammonia? I've got some Java Fern but it's not cutting it.
robson
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:31 pm

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by robson »

Floating plants like Water Lettuce or Duckweed are great for ammonia absorption. They grow fast and pull nutrients directly from the water column. Also, try Hornwort or Anacharis—they're hardy and efficient.
User avatar
Hampuk
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:00 am

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by Hampuk »

Yep, floating plants are the way to go. I've had luck with Frogbit too. It's chill and doesn't mess with the flow like Duckweed can. Just keep an eye on it, or it'll take over.
User avatar
alandon
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2023 7:37 am

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by alandon »

I'd recommend adding some Pothos cuttings too. They're not aquatic, but if you let the roots dangle in the water, they'll suck up ammonia like crazy. Plus, they're super easy to care for.
kidkeeper
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:30 pm

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by kidkeeper »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll grab some Frogbit and Pothos and see how it goes.
User avatar
bricko
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 18, 2024 5:33 am

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by bricko »

Make sure your lighting is adequate too. Plants need enough light to photosynthesize and absorb ammonia effectively. What's your current setup?
User avatar
mokaro
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:54 am

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by mokaro »

bricko wrote: Sat Jul 26, 2025 4:03 am Make sure your lighting is adequate too. Plants need enough light to photosynthesize and absorb ammonia effectively. What's your current setup?
I agree. Low light can limit plant growth, which means less ammonia uptake. Kidkeeper, what's your lighting situation?
flamio
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:57 pm

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by flamio »

If you're dealing with persistent ammonia, check your filter media. Sometimes it's not just about plants but also the biofiltration. A good sponge filter can help alongside the plants.
Gone
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:32 pm

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by Gone »

I've heard Amazon Swords are decent for ammonia, but they need a nutrient-rich substrate. Might be worth considering if you're planning a rescape.
User avatar
riskyfox
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:27 am

Re: what plants help with ammonia?

Post by riskyfox »

How often do you do water changes? Even with plants, regular changes are key to keeping ammonia down.
Post Reply