The devil’s ivy (to use its most interesting name!) has a robust root system, which holds the substrate in place, meaning it is less likely to get disturbed by aggressive fish buddies or filter outflow. In fact, the wide pothos plant leaves are just the thing for a convenient resting spot. When planted in the aquarium, the pothos plant also provides ideal areas where the fish can breed and lay eggs.
These roots provide fry and fish with much-needed spots for taking cover. When pothos plants are hung in the aquarium, they produce numerous roots that grow rapidly. As such, it is crucial for you to provide the fish with spots where they can hide or rest. Some fish species are more territorial than others, and some become overly aggressive towards their tank mates. Having plants in the tank that mimic this environment is really important for fish survival – and what better way to achieve this, than planting a pothos plant in the aquarium?Īlthough generally your fish will love it, you should still carry out research, to find out which fish are compatible with the plant. Most freshwater fish find their a natural habitats in rivers and rice paddies. Therefore, let no one tell you that this plant can be dangerous to your fish. Furthermore, oxygen is a crucial factor when it comes to fish survival and virility.Īlthough the pothos plants release carbon dioxide during the night, the Co2 released is far less than the amount they consume. How? During photosynthesis, the plant uses carbon dioxide released by the fish and in return oxygenates the fish tank. When the pothos plant is planted underwater, it helps aerate the water column. As such, algae will lack vital nutrients and eventually die off. Pothos plants use nitrites, which are a staple for algae growth. Luckily, adding pothos plants to the aquarium. Algae growth is as a result of high nitrite levels, too much waste in the water and a few other factors. While minimal algae growth is normal and healthy, too much of it is unsightly and can become harmful to your fish and plants. Eliminates algaeĪlgae is a common phenomenon in most fish tanks. The shade helps mimic the natural environment of the fish. They include, but are not limited to, betta fish, severums and angelfish. Numerous types of fish require shade in order to thrive. To mitigate this, add a pothos plant into the aquarium. When the level of nitrates in the tank gets too high – a situation known as nitrates shock or poisoning – the fish can show a variety of symptoms, such as listlessness and loss of appetite and eventually they might even die. In fact, you will probably see a 20-40 ppm nitrates fluctuation. Like all plants, it absorbs nitrates and uses them as a source of nutrients – the difference is that the rate at which it absorbs the nutrients is much higher than with other plants. Most hobbyists use a pothos plant (Link to Amazon) to purify the tank water. Why should you add a pothos plant to your aquarium? Remove nitrates
So, why are hobbyists including this plant in their aquariums? Let’s find out. It has also become a staple in most aquariums, because not only is it extremely beneficial but it is also very easy to propagate.
Many people have a pothos plant in their homes because of its ability to purify toxic air. The plant has numerous amusing common names such as hunter’s robe, ivy arum and taro vine, but possibly its most curious name is devil’s ivy. The pothos plant is a trailing, leafy vine that grows up to 40 feet in the wild, and almost the same length indoors. Not only does it provide much-needed shade, but also provides food and other benefits. Adding shade to your aquarium will make your fish very happy! And one sure way to go about this is to add the pothos plant into your fish tank.