Mighty Prawn Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 I've heard of people using some kind of house plant in their tank. Well, not IN their tank, but the roots in the tank. From what I have heard it sucks up the nitrates like crazy. Having 3 oscars whose favourite thing in the world to do is pull my plants out of the substrate, out of pots and such so they float, it appeals to me. I was going to just put plants in my sump, but they leave the floating stuff alone so I'd like to try it. Is this the plant you always see in "betta" vases? I understand those plants are better off in a pot, and are just "barely" surviving in those vases. I'm perfectly fine having the plants in my sump to help with eating up the nitrates and such, but seems like a waste to spend money on plants (which are pricey). In a perfect world my O's would just leave them alone so I could have a proper planted 180. I can't imagine how incredible a big tank like that would look heavily planted. Anyways, any tips on what plant this might be I've heard of, and how to set it up properly? -Hideo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toirtis Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 The ones in those betta vases are usually peace lilies. Peace lilies will even survive fully submerged for a couple of months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Pothos(philodendron i believe) is used to suck up nitrates in fish tanks. It works great, I used to have some in my tanks. It works best if grown with its leaves outside of the water but i've had it submerged for months and it would grow pretty good even underwater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Prawn Posted March 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 I was hoping to sort of have the plant in a pot on the tank lid, with a hole in the pot that has the roots dangling down into the water. So everything but roots out of the water. I know very little about plants that are not bamboo, is it okay not to have the roots in soil, or will the plant always be semi-"shocked"? -Hideo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAlberta Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Here is a link where philodendrons were used in the manner that you are inquiring about. Simplydiscus Hope this helps Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunl Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Again, pothos. I've used them successfully in tanks with just the roots in the water, everything else out. Best if the tank is in a bright spot, as the leaves tend to be above your lights and canopy..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Prawn Posted March 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Thanks guys, that link was also super helpful, this is definately something I am going to do. Now just gotta find a place to buy some of these things ;-) -Hideo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 This is where the ACs are fantastic! I have one on my grow-out tank, with a few different terrestrial plants in it. Peace Lillies, English Ivy, Pothos. I use this method to start rooting for all clippings on my house plants. Works great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishEdGirl Posted March 24, 2006 Report Share Posted March 24, 2006 Be careful not to leave a philodendron cutting in the water indefinitely; eventually you are going to have to pot it or the roots will rot and/or die. Wally's world will have philodendrons; they're a garden section staple. Or you can come and raid my house lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted March 25, 2006 Report Share Posted March 25, 2006 Be careful not to leave a philodendron cutting in the water indefinitely; eventually you are going to have to pot it or the roots will rot and/or die. Actually I have a cutting that is just in water that is going on 4 years. Its not in my aquarium though, just in a glass vase. Its roots are still good and i've never had any die off. But it is something you should always be aware of as a possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted March 25, 2006 Report Share Posted March 25, 2006 Yes, it's a good thing to remember that house plant are terrestrial - or bog plants at best. Their leaves and stem need air. And, if the roots are submerged, they'll do much better in a current than stagnant water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAlberta Posted March 25, 2006 Report Share Posted March 25, 2006 Generally speaking most houseplants do best with soil media which is 30% (they do not get this with compacted soil or in a bowl of water. Of course the exception is "marginals" which live in "swamp" type situations where the roots are in water and the "tops" are above the waterline. (This group includes bullrushes). You can get some of these types of plants from the local garden centre. I have also seen some types of bamboo grown this way (check out your local Chinatown - this seems to be an oriental tradition). I experimented with spider plants and a few others being completely underwater and generally speaking they survived between a few days and months. None thrived under these conditions. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windeindoiel Posted March 26, 2006 Report Share Posted March 26, 2006 If you happen to live in south Calgary I have a bunch of pothos in my lizard cage, if you're willing to come and get them I'll be happy to just give you some cuttings. Saves having to go buy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milan Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 This is an interesting setup from the latest APC contest. It did not fare very well, but it's still interesting ... http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/contest...howentry&id=156 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 I have pothos in all of my tanks, and all of the deep bodies of water in my lizard cages, as well as my betta bowls. If you have a plant, just cut off a string of it, and put the end in the water. I've thrown whole strands into the tank and they've done really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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