Adding Plant To Filter.

[Kay1123]

So, my boyfriends mom is taking down her pond for the winter and she was getting rid of a lot of extra plants. It's not a fully aquatic plant but she said it was good for filtration. I've added it to my filter behind the sponge and carbon. Fits nicely as long as I can keep it the right size.

Any opinions on this? Has anyone done this before? I'll get some pictures up shortly of the root system and the plant itself. Not sure what it's called.

 

[Kay1123]

Here are the pictures of the plant. All of the new growth is from since I've placed it in the filter. It doesn't really get much light and it seems to be doing very well.

 

[jayjay]

Basic hydroponics, should work to filter the tank well, removing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

 

[Underwurlde]

Ha! Look at that! Never seen that before: You live & learn.

@jayjay: Agreed

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Kay1123

That looks like an interesting idea, and might become very pretty. However, you will want to take care that the roots do not clog the filter. If this happens, the water, not being able to flow through, will back up and overflow the filter. As long as the pump is working it will continue to pump the water out of the tank and onto the floor until it reaches the bottom of the uptake tube. It could get very messy, especially if it happens at night or while you are out, and do not catch it early on.

 

[Luketendo]

Woah never seen that before, maybe you've started a new filter plant trend.

 

[arvlyn]

So, my boyfriends mom is taking down her pond for the winter and she was getting rid of a lot of extra plants. It's not a fully aquatic plant but she said it was good for filtration. I've added it to my filter behind the sponge and carbon. Fits nicely as long as I can keep it the right size.

Any opinions on this? Has anyone done this before? I'll get some pictures up shortly of the root system and the plant itself. Not sure what it's called.

That's a neat idea. I've seen "lucky bamboo" and philodendron in filters before. I was thinking of trying it with some spider plants I already have rooted in water, I was just conerned with the fact that the filter would be open then.

 

[jayjay]

Woah never seen that before, maybe you've started a new filter plant trend.

If you look hard enough there are quite a number of people with similar types of setup, it's a good idea which can be taken far. There are lots of DIY ways of using the plants in the tank itself, in a sump etc.

 

[Kay1123]

I'm going to be keeping a close eye on the roots to ensure they don't become entangled with something or creep over to the side with the pump. I'm going to attempt to keep it right behind the carbon.

If anyone wants some of this plant and is around the Michigan area I'm sure I could spare some soon.

 

[andywg]

Woah never seen that before, maybe you've started a new filter plant trend.

Not too sure on "started". |Tunze have sold hydroponics kits for some years now

Also Diana Walsted discusses the use of plants in her book.

Edited due to silly laptop typing error

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Ive had javamoss in my filter for the past year, and i have found that it is more trouble than it is worth because it tends to creep towards my impeller, which isnt all that great for the filter. Why not just put the plants in the tank, itll do the same thing.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

This is best suited for a sump with an area set aside for the plant where it can't grow into a pump, if you ask me. It's commonly done with Chaeto in SW tanks. The plant will assimilate the excess nutrients in the water, improving it's quality.

Just trim the roots every once in a while to keep them from clogging it and causing a spill.

 

[Kay1123]

Ive had javamoss in my filter for the past year, and i have found that it is more trouble than it is worth because it tends to creep towards my impeller, which isnt all that great for the filter. Why not just put the plants in the tank, itll do the same thing.

It is not an aquatic plant and therefore it would... rot.