watersprite as a safety?

[cc1112]

if i put a bunch of watersprite and duckweed into a tank, is it safe to assume that they will suck up nutrients and nitrates, etc like a sponge, and guarentee that my tank water will be cleaner than without the plants? also will more watersprite help to prevent algae from forming and taking hold?
in this case will fertilizers be neccessary? it just sounds so simple to fill my tank up with alot of watersprite and duckweed to help clear the water and lower nitrates

 

[kikuchiyo]

If the plant grows, its gotta work off something (e.g., they will be taking in stuff you want out).

Adding watersprite and duckweed isn't a 100% way of keeping algae out, but they will oucompete algae, so your chances of having algae gain a foothold are lower.

I know duckweed probably won't need any extra help and I don't believe water sprite will either.

Plants aren't a magic answer to keeping your tank clean, but if they grow they are, by defintion, helping your tank.

 

[TKOS]

Water sprite tends to need higher light levels, over 2 wpg. It does grow fast in some tanks and like all stem plants grabs excess nutrients from the water. You will still need to do weekly water changes but it will certainly help and your fish will love live plants. Duckweed is good as well. I have it in some of my tanks. I find that if you don't scoop some out with each water change it can quickly grow and cover the whole top of the tank. This will block a lot of light from the other plants.