Is a Pothos Plant Good For Your Aquarium and Home?

Keep your aquarium well aerated and toxin-free while adding to its beauty by planting a Pothos plant which is known to bring an array of benefits as listed down below.

Pothos plant is characterized by thick leaves having a waxy texture in shades of vibrant green.

This easy-to-grow houseplant can often be seen around houses and offices as they can thrive well in a variety of conditions. If you are thinking of adding a pothos plant to your aquarium or your living area, then read on to know about the benefits it tags along:

Removal Of Nitrates From Water

Nitrates are a common constituent of every healthy aquarium ecosystem.

It is produced at the end of a nitrogen cycle. But high levels of nitrates can send fishes into “nitrate shock”.

You can remove the same through partial water changes or by growing the right kind of aquarium plants that hold nitrate absorbing capability.

This nitrate is extremely beneficial for these aquatic plants as it fosters the growth of their roots and leaves. Keeping pothos plants in aquarium can assist in the removal of nitrates from the water column at a faster rate. Since the leaves of a pothos plant grow above the water level and its roots remain submerged in water, they can remove detrimental nutrients at a faster rate.

Along with absorbing nitrates, the pothos plant leaves behind fresh oxygen and creates a toxic-free aquatic environment so that you can increase the time between two consequent aquarium clean-ups.

Warding Off Algae

Aquarium algae is a sign of extremely high or low levels of nitrate in the water.

It can cause detrimental impacts on your aquatic plants by outcompeting the same if not taken care of in time. Since the pothos plant is very efficient in the removal of nitrates and similar nutrients from the water, it can dampen the growth of algae.

Over time, pothos can completely eliminate algae from your aquarium by creating an inhospitable environment for the same.

Stabilization Of Substrate

The root system of pothos plants spread out in fine tendrils for offering a tight grip over the substrate and keeping it in place.

Soil or gravel disruption and cloudiness are kept low with a solid substrate level.

Offers Cover

Pothos plants tend to grow at a fast speed. Leaves start spreading out once the roots have established well.

The thick and strong root system of pothos plants can serve as the perfect cover for fishes. Female guppies can often be seen hiding in the roots for dropping their fry.

As the pothos roots break the line of sight, fishes can take cover easily between their roots. Fishes have an in-born instinct of hiding out whether to avoid predators, resting, or escaping the bright light.

This is why it is advised to add a pothos plant to your aquarium as it can provide plenty of shade.

Adds To The Aesthetic Value

Pothos plants are extremely serene to look at whether you place them in the aquarium or pots. If you are thinking about growing them in aquariums, then it’s best to opt for the ones without a covered lid for a more natural look.

Pothos plants can even be run on the wall if the light conditions are good.

You will just have to attach a transparent fishing line to the ceiling and the plant will turn into a jungle corner above your aquarium within a few months’ time.

Safe From Omnivore Fishes

Omnivore fishes like African cichlids eat up most aquatic plants.

These fishes also produce a lot of waste causing the nitrate level to shoot the same.

This also holds true for goldfish. However, these fishes keep a safe distance from pothos courtesy of their strong roots.

Enhances Aeration

Fishes require a well-oxygenated tank for thriving well.

Planting of pothos in aquarium substrate uses up the carbon-di-oxide expelled by fishes and releases back oxygen into the water.

This helps in increasing the level of aeration in water. Pathos does release Co2 during the night as a part of its natural respiration process. But the amount is minimal when compared to the amount consumed during the daytime.