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Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 8:23 pm
by coralflow
I've got a 55-gallon tank with nitrates hovering around 40 ppm. What plants can handle high nitrates without melting or getting algae? Running CO2 at 2 bps, medium lighting, and sand substrate.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 9:03 pm
by mason
Hornwort's a beast for soaking up nitrates. I've got it in my 75-gallon with similar params, and it grows like crazy. Just gotta trim it weekly or it'll take over. Also, try floating plants like Frogbit—they're nitrate sponges.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 10:51 pm
by Lilacora
mason wrote: ↑Wed Aug 13, 2025 9:03 pm
Hornwort's a beast for soaking up nitrates. I've got it in my 75-gallon with similar params, and it grows like crazy. Just gotta trim it weekly or it'll take over. Also, try floating plants like Frogbit—they're nitrate sponges.
Agreed on Hornwort, but watch out for shedding. Anacharis is another good one, and it's less messy. My tank's at 30 ppm nitrates, and it's thriving with root tabs.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:39 am
by folksy9
My Duckweed's goin' nuts in my high-nitrate tank. Ain't pretty, but it gets the job done. Just scoop some out every water change or it'll block the light.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:18 am
by VoyagerA
Java Fern's chill with nitrates. Mine's glued to driftwood in a 40-gallon, nitrates around 35 ppm. Slow grower but zero melt. Maybe pair it with something faster like Water Wisteria?
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:55 am
by coralflow
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Hornwort and Frogbit first. Any tips on keeping Frogbit from blocking light for the lower plants?
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:39 am
by mason
coralflow wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:55 am
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Hornwort and Frogbit first. Any tips on keeping Frogbit from blocking light for the lower plants?
Use a floating ring to corral the Frogbit. I made one out of airline tubing. Keeps it in one corner so the rest of the tank gets light.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:43 am
by Lilacora
If you're worried about light, Dwarf Sagittaria's a solid pick. It's a carpeting plant that handles nitrates well and stays low. Mine's spreading like crazy under moderate light.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:29 am
by folksy9
Y'all ever try Pothos? Not a true aquatic plant, but I've got the roots danglin' in my HOB filter. Nitrates dropped from 50 to 20 ppm in a month. Weird vibe, but it works.
Re: Best Plants for a High Nitrate Tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:46 am
by VoyagerA
folksy9 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:29 am
Y'all ever try Pothos? Not a true aquatic plant, but I've got the roots danglin' in my HOB filter. Nitrates dropped from 50 to 20 ppm in a month. Weird vibe, but it works.
Pothos is legit. Just make sure the leaves stay dry or they'll rot. Also, it's toxic to cats, so keep that in mind if you've got pets.