Aquariums are not just homes for fish—they can also be thriving ecosystems that benefit from the inclusion of houseplants. In this blog, we’ll explore five easy-to-grow houseplants that can help filter your aquarium, reduce nitrates, and make your setup healthier and more vibrant.
Why Use Houseplants in Your Aquarium?
In an aquarium, fish produce waste that eventually breaks down into ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. While aquatic plants inside the tank can help remove nitrates, houseplants with their roots in the water are even more effective. Their robust root systems extract nutrients directly from the water, making them excellent natural filters. Plus, they’re easy to care for, readily available, and add a beautiful aesthetic to your aquarium.
I’ve personally been incorporating houseplants into my aquariums after visiting a friend’s fish tanks, and the difference is astounding. Tanks with houseplants thrive more than those without, as they create a lively, balanced ecosystem.
How to Add Houseplants to Your Aquarium
- Purchase your plant from a local shop or garden center.
- Remove all soil from the roots by gently washing them to prevent contamination.
- Place the bare roots into the tank water, ensuring they’re submerged but the leaves remain above water.
- Position the plant near a light source—daylight LED lights work perfectly.
Tip: You can also start with cuttings! Place them in water, let them root, and watch them grow. This method is perfect for beginners and requires minimal effort.
Top 5 Houseplants for Filtering Aquariums
1. Philodendrons
Philodendrons are a versatile group of houseplants that thrive in aquariums. Their large, robust root systems make them highly efficient at removing nitrates.
- Top Varieties: Philodendron New Yorker, Philodendron Brazil.
- Care Tips:
- Train them to climb supports or drape over the edges of the tank for a beautiful cascading effect.
- Ensure the roots are submerged in water while the leaves remain dry.
- Philodendrons prefer indirect light but can adapt to low-light conditions.
Additional Tip: Avoid overwatering the plant before placing it in the aquarium, as excess moisture can cause root rot.
2. Pothos
Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants for aquariums due to its low maintenance and rapid growth.
- Top Varieties: Golden Pothos, Neon Pothos, Marble Queen.
- Care Tips:
- Allow the roots to establish in the water before expecting vigorous growth.
- Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from overtaking the tank.
- Pothos thrives in indirect sunlight and tolerates low light.
Additional Tip: Mix pothos with philodendrons in the same tank for a varied and lush look.
3. Spidergrass (Chlorophytum)
Spidergrass, also known as the spider plant, is incredibly easy to grow and maintain.
- Key Features: Produces runners and baby plants, making it easy to propagate.
- Care Tips:
- Simply place the roots in water, and it will flourish.
- Spidergrass can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it ideal for beginners.
- Trim the baby plants (pups) and propagate them in other tanks or pots.
Additional Tip: Use spidergrass as a bushy filler plant in tanks with sparse greenery for added volume.
4. Peace Lilies
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are elegant plants that not only filter water but also add a touch of beauty with their flowers.
- Care Tips:
- Use larger plants for better results, as they grow faster and absorb more nitrates.
- Keep the roots submerged in the aquarium and the leaves dry to prevent rot.
- Peace lilies prefer low to medium light, making them ideal for indoor tanks.
Additional Tip: Peace lilies are great for aesthetic appeal—place them in tanks near seating areas to showcase their beautiful flowers.
5. Monsteras
Monsteras, including the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii), are another excellent option for aquarium setups.
- Care Tips:
- Use smaller varieties to avoid overcrowding the tank.
- Place them near bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Trim large leaves to maintain a balanced look in smaller tanks.
Additional Tip: Monsteras are excellent for larger tanks, where their dramatic foliage adds depth and texture.
Bonus Plant: Syngoniums
Syngoniums, also known as arrowhead plants, are easy to grow and widely available. You can propagate them from cuttings, and they root quickly when placed in water.
- Care Tips:
- Remove all soil from the roots before placing them in water.
- Rotate plants occasionally to ensure even growth.
- Trim regularly to prevent overgrowth.
Additional Tip: Syngoniums come in many varieties, including vibrant variegated types, which add a pop of color to your aquarium.
Why Use Houseplants in Aquariums?
- Natural Filtration: Houseplants significantly reduce nitrates, improving water quality.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: They create a lush, vibrant look above and around the tank.
- Low Maintenance: These plants are hardy and require minimal care.
- Eco-Friendly: No need for chemical filtration—nature does the work for you.
Final Thoughts
Houseplants are a fantastic addition to any aquarium, helping to maintain water quality while enhancing the overall beauty of your setup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, these plants are easy to grow and incredibly rewarding.
If you’ve been hesitant to try this, I encourage you to start with a pothos or philodendron—they’re nearly foolproof and highly effective. Thank you for reading, and I hope this guide inspires you to incorporate houseplants into your aquarium! Let me know your experiences in the comments below.
Happy fishkeeping! 🐟🌿