Grass

[unknowntbeast]

We've already said the plants absorb ammonia, but what about grass from the backyard? Has anybody here just cut out a part of the yard and placed it in the bottom of a tank with dirt and grass? Was it useful in absorbing ammonia/trites and trates?

 

[aaronnorth]

grass isnt/ cant adapt to submerssed conditions.
If you want a grass like plant then try elecoharis acicularis or parvula.

 

[Mr Bliss]

You can however grow grass (or a salad or herbs or whatever) hydroponically, in a HOB filter for example, where it will absorb waste from the water, if you can't have lots of plants inside the tank (like in a cichlid tank). Some marine aquarists use mangrove for this purpose.

Terrestrial plants will mostly absorb nitrate, though, so they're not good as a line of defence against ammonia spikes. Most aquatic plants prefer ammonia.

 

[llamalord305]

Fascinating!

I find that really interesting. Got any other info or links pertaining to aquarium hydroponics?