Hi! Can anyone point me towards some info of how to grow plants on top of aquariums to lower nitrates? I have a 125 that I’d like to plant the back. I was thinking clay pebbles in a shower caddie or something similar? I want the roots to be in water and leaves exposed and dry. Also any plant references would be cool. On one half I want some food, maybe jalapeños and spinach, and the other I’d like something tall like a grass and something kind of like a fern. Something tropical looking. My tank is run off a sump so I have overflows- no hob filters to plant in.
Growing plants on top of aquarium (aquaponics)
- Thread starter Willyy
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Aglaonema house plants work well. They get large, so you don't need many in a tank. This plant will definitely lower the nitrates. I keep these plants in all my tanks and it reduces the need for water changes. I still do at least 50 percent when I do them, but instead of weekly, the tanks can go two weeks with no water problems. Here's a picture for you.
Instead of shower caddies, I use what's called a "Spa Basket". It has holes in it so I can run a length of tubing attached to an air pump to get oxygen to the plant roots. The plants will grow much better this way.
Let me know if you need any specifics.
TTG
For planters you need something sturdy. I use hanging planting baskets. I've drilled holes in them for water flow. I use just clay pebbles as media. The pebbles may need to be presoaked or they'll float.
You will also need light high enough to give room for the plants to grow. Without extra artificial light, many won't grow, except for pothos maybe..
Many house plants can work. I have peace lilies and parlour palm at the moment.
The palm below is about 5 years old but they don't grow that big for many years so can be kept in smaller tanks for a good while. Its a parlour palm. The one next to it is a peace lily. The pink flowers one is Antherium lily.
Some pics of mine:
The below were from my previous tank
You will also need light high enough to give room for the plants to grow. Without extra artificial light, many won't grow, except for pothos maybe..
Many house plants can work. I have peace lilies and parlour palm at the moment.
The palm below is about 5 years old but they don't grow that big for many years so can be kept in smaller tanks for a good while. Its a parlour palm. The one next to it is a peace lily. The pink flowers one is Antherium lily.
Some pics of mine:
The below were from my previous tank
I used to buy the planters from riparium supply below but one can figure out cheaper options too. It all depends on the size of the tank. The bigger the tank, the better the planter options..The below, however, can be quite discrete as they'll blend with the glass.
https://aquaverdi.com/products/riparium-planter-2-pack-aqua-verdi
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Shower caddies work fine. Any hydroponic substrate will work well too. I use a "baked" slate forgot what it's called but it's available at most hydroponic stores. It's not supposed to float but can and will. I drilled a few extra holes in mine to get a little better flow. I also have used the hydroponic planters with some wire used to hold it on the edge of the tank.
I've tried a few plants but need to be careful of toxicity I have dogs and cats. The pothos seems to grow well and does a good job of helping to filter the system. Fruit bearing plants will need special lighting to fruit and for the fruit to ripen.
I've tried a few plants but need to be careful of toxicity I have dogs and cats. The pothos seems to grow well and does a good job of helping to filter the system. Fruit bearing plants will need special lighting to fruit and for the fruit to ripen.
