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Nitrate removal.

PostPosted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 2:36 pm
by MrMikeSam
I want to get into aquaponics so I can remove the nitrates and nitrites in my water as well as growing food for my femal RES. Any suggestions on an aquatic plant that I can set inside my tank, not be afraid of her eating it, as well as it growing faster than she can consume. It sounds like a dumb question but would PetSmart/PetCo have the filter plants in looking for, or if not where would I find some?

Re: Nitrate removal.

PostPosted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 4:02 pm
by litefoot
Comes down to your state laws , some plants will be an invasive species and will not be available even online to ship to you. Even what some think are better at removing nitrites will only have an small effect on your tank. The type of rocks if any , soil media for rooted plants , decorations all affect the water. Most turtles as they get older ( around 2or3 +) should have about 75% of there diet veggie ! Could be hard for the best plant to keep up with. I have a 70 gallon plant tank outside just to keep up with Piggley 5" RES male on top of what's in his 150 gallon home.
Duckweed first but messy // annoying , frogbit , hornwort , water sprite are others with less maintenance. Most floating plants do better than rooted. BUT the massive amount to record any change in parameters ... overwhelming in a regular tank. Have seen very shallow 3-5" tanks with a very large surface area 5' or more make some difference on the readings but will be no good for your turtle. In my time aquaponics works better with fish , just my opinion. Good luck.

Re: Nitrate removal.

PostPosted: Tue Mar 14, 2017 9:09 pm
by VeipaCray
Anacharis will consume nutrients from the water. It's not rooted although it's common to anchor it in your substrate. The other benefit is it's a favorite snack for most turtles.

Another option is a moss ball. It's a macro algae so great for nutrient control.

Both should be available at your local pet stores.

Re: Nitrate removal.

PostPosted: Tue Mar 14, 2017 9:15 pm
by MrMikeSam
Would a faux moss ball like the fluval moss ball that says it removes phosphates work?

Re: Nitrate removal.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 15, 2017 3:45 pm
by VeipaCray
MrMikeSam wrote:Would a faux moss ball like the fluval moss ball that says it removes phosphates work?


I didn't even know they made such a thing. If you're willing maybe buy one and let us know the before and after measurements. Let's find out!