Aquarium plants are beloved for their ability to absorb harmful compounds from the water, but what if you have fish that are prone to demolishing plants? Enter the pothos plant, a game-changer for aquarium enthusiasts! While it may not mechanically filter particles from your tank, it excels at reducing nitrate levels and controlling algae growth. This means fewer water changes and happier, healthier fish. Let’s dive deeper into nature’s miracle gift to fish keepers.
Meet Pothos: The Hardy Houseplant
Pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a tremendously popular houseplant with the intriguing nickname, “devil’s ivy.” This moniker stems from its exceptional resilience, thriving in low-light conditions or even near darkness. Pothos finds its place not only in aquariums but also in hydroponic systems and bioactive terrariums. However, it’s worth noting that while toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, there are no known reports of aquarium fish experiencing issues with this plant.
Pothos serves as an excellent natural filtration alternative for aquariums housing plant-eating fish, such as uaru cichlids.
Harnessing the Power of Pothos in Your Aquarium
Luckily, pothos is readily available and affordable at local hardware stores and plant nurseries. You don’t need to splurge on a massive plant because pothos has an exceptional growth rate, especially in aquariums with high bioloads and ample fish waste. We obtained the smallest potted option for just $4 and were able to separate it into six to ten plantlets.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can start with a single pothos leaf from a friend, as it can effortlessly develop roots in water. However, for faster growth, we recommend using a small plantlet that already possesses established roots. Before introducing it to your aquarium, make sure to thoroughly rinse off any dirt and fertilizer from the roots to prevent adverse effects on water chemistry.
Divide your pothos into individual plantlets, each with 2 to 4 leaves, and ensure the roots are clean and free from any dirt or fertilizer residue.
Suppose you have plant-eating fish in your tank. In that case, you can place the pothos in a hang-on-back filter to keep it safe from their voracious appetites. Position the plant far away from the filter’s motor compartment, preventing the roots from impeding the impeller. Alternatively, if your fish pose no threat to the pothos, you can insert the plant’s roots directly into the tank while allowing its leaves to emerge above the waterline. The aquarium’s lid should secure the plant in place, preventing any accidental falls.
Open the lid of the hang-on-back filter, gently “plant” the pothos in a filter media compartment situated as far as possible from the motor, and trim the roots if necessary in the future.
Over time, the pothos will develop into a sprawling vine. You can guide it to climb walls or shelves, creating a stunning underwater jungle for your fish to explore. The long, trailing roots serve as an aesthetic adornment while providing hiding spots for your aquatic friends. If the growth becomes too dense, trimming the plant is an easy task. Moreover, you can propagate a stem or leaf into other tanks, ensuring the future proliferation of this remarkable plant. With its remarkable ability to regulate nitrate levels and inhibit algae growth, pothos offers unparalleled filtration at an unbeatable price – all under $5!
Pothos not only provides exceptional biological filtration for your aquarium but also transforms into a beautiful vine outside the tank, offering long roots for fish to explore and conceal themselves among.
To discover the optimal frequency of water changes for your aquarium, download our free infographic, guiding you through the process step-by-step.
Experience the magic of pothos and witness its transformative impact on your aquarium – a natural filtration alternative that keeps your fish happy and your tank thriving!
