Aquarium plants are fantastic for improving water quality, but some fish species see them as a tasty snack rather than décor. Enter pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a houseplant that thrives in water and offers incredible benefits for aquariums. Known for its hardiness and ability to reduce nitrates, pothos is a low-cost, natural solution for improving your tank’s health and reducing algae growth.
What Is Pothos?
Pothos, often called “devil’s ivy,” is a nearly indestructible plant. It can survive in low light, grow quickly, and adapt to various environments, from aquariums to hydroponic systems. While it’s toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, it’s safe for fish and can handle high bioloads in aquariums.
Benefits of Pothos in Aquariums
- Natural Filtration: Pothos absorbs nitrates and other toxins produced by fish waste, reducing the frequency of water changes.
- Algae Control: By lowering nitrate levels, pothos helps prevent algae overgrowth.
- Versatility: It grows beautifully outside the tank while its roots create a jungle-like habitat for fish to explore.
- Budget-Friendly: A single pothos plant can be purchased for a few pounds, divided into multiple plantlets, and propagated easily.
How to Use Pothos in Your Aquarium
Getting Started
- Purchase a small pothos plant.
- Separate it into plantlets with 2-4 leaves each.
- Wash the roots thoroughly to remove dirt and fertilizer, which could harm your tank’s water quality.
Placement Options
- In a Filter: For tanks with plant-eating fish, place pothos in a hang-on-back filter. Keep the roots away from the motor to prevent clogging.
- In the Tank: If your fish leave plants alone, let the pothos roots dangle directly in the water while keeping the leaves above the surface. You can use our plant holders to secure the plants in place.
Caring for Pothos in Aquariums
- Light: Pothos thrives in indirect light but grows well even in low-light conditions.
- Root Maintenance: Trim roots if they become overly dense or interfere with equipment.
- Propagation: Clip a stem or leaf, and it will root in water, letting you add pothos to other tanks.
- Aesthetics: Train the vines to climb along walls or shelves for a stunning display.
Why Use Pothos for Filtration?
Pothos is a practical and beautiful solution for managing water quality naturally. It reduces nitrate levels, promotes healthy fish, and even hampers algae growth. Having roots that dangle in the tank and foliage that grows out means that it is especially good at handling nitrates and works as a great biological filter. Its adaptability, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal make it a must-have for aquarists.