egeria densa in sump for nitrate reduction?

[terror]

Hi,

I have a chance to get some egeria densa, I'm planning to put them in the last chamber of my sump which still has lots of space. Would this plant be good for absorbing nitrate and other nutrients from the water? the sump receives sunlight.
Also i've been reading about nitrient export? so submerged plant like egeria densa, can they be used for nutrient export?

thanks.

 

[Squawkbert]

Any fast growing plant can help keep NO3 levels down, provided it can grow... Slow growing plants do this too, but not quite as well - and they're more prone to algae issues. I'd say it's worth a try. If it does not work, switch to Java moss or other low light plants.

 

[terror]

Any fast growing plant can help keep NO3 levels down, provided it can grow... Slow growing plants do this too, but not quite as well - and they're more prone to algae issues. I'd say it's worth a try. If it does not work, switch to Java moss or other low light plants.

thanks I currently have some java moss in my sump, but they are slow growers

 

[plantbrain]

I'd suggest emergent water sprite, any plant that has emergent growth, that will not clog things(eg duckweed, Salvinia, most floaters or gets too large Hyacinth etc).

A small 15-20 W light in the sump area should do okay, more if you really need/want NO3 removal rates at a higher level. Sunlight in the sump area if possible is really good.

Or anywhere the roots can be added to the water where there's ample natural light.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[terror]

I'd suggest emergent water sprite, any plant that has emergent growth, that will not clog things(eg duckweed, Salvinia, most floaters or gets too large Hyacinth etc).

A small 15-20 W light in the sump area should do okay, more if you really need/want NO3 removal rates at a higher level. Sunlight in the sump area if possible is really good.

Or anywhere the roots can be added to the water where there's ample natural light.

Regards,
Tom Barr

thanks Tom I'll try to get my hand on duckweed. My sump and tank gets morning, and maybe after noon sunlight. I tried peace lilies but they don't survive

btw whats the difference between submerged plant and emersed plant when it comes to nitrate usage?

 

[Squawkbert]

Partially emergent plants get lots more CO2, so they take off when they break ths surface.

 

[terror]

Partially emergent plants get lots more CO2, so they take off when they break ths surface.

thanks, I'll try to have both Duckweeds and egeria densa , will post update once i get some

 

[knifegill]

Try water lettuce. It can grow anywhere except in high current. I've got some undead water lettuce in my orange tree moat on the desk. It crowds the top of my little picopond, and is doing well in my tadpole habitat.

 

[terror]

thanks i got myself some Hydrilla

Also got myself some water lettuce, hope they survive in my sump

 

[platytudes]

Be careful with that Hydrilla - it's a hugely invasive plant - so be careful when you pour your water change water down the drains/toilets that there aren't any plant pieces in there. Lots of people think that the water treatment plant will eliminate the threat, but unfortunately it just isn't so.