Which Plants use the most nitrates?

[CACAdmin]

Here's a question for the plant gurus around here... and the aspiring gurus. (of which I am neither.... I kill plants with relative ease. :laugh: )

I realize that all aquatic plants make some use of the nitrates in the tank but if one were to select the heaviest users to get the optimal benefits of reducing nitrates, which plants should one choose. And (I know I'm asking a lot) could you also indicate the how relatively easy they are to grow. Thanks! ::D:

[WaterPond]

The low light plants dont eat up the nitrates as much. Crypts, java fern/moss dont use much at all.

I find the lower light plants that use the most are anarchis and of course duckweed.

Hope this helps.

[thegrandpoohbah]

I think the faster growing plants will be best for this. Duckweed as mentioned already and just about any form of Hygrophila (polysperma, difformis, etc.).

[WaterPond]

I find that hygro is very prone to nutrient deficiencies. I find that i cant keep them alive without weekly dosing of trace elements. Not sure if they could survive on lots of nitrate alone.

[Melody]

I've asked this one before, around various sites. The fast growers, as mentioned, especially those that get their nutrients from the water column. Fast growing floating plants, a lot of the stem plants, etc. Anacharis, which is illegal in Canada, grows like the weed that it is and its great for that. It has close relatives that also grow reasonably well and they're legal.

[PPulcher]

Floating plants that have an aerial advantage can use atmospheric CO2, and can grow much more quickly than submerged plants, all things being equal. They are also generally closer to the lights.