Noob with plants

[pnyklr3]

I have just purchased two amazon swords for my 55 gallon community tank. A few months back, I had problems with high nitrates, and water changes were not helping the issue. Eventually, they came back down, but I've had another spike. How soon do the live plants start taking care of nitrates? Is it a matter of days, or weeks? I tried a few live plants in my last tank, a 10 gallon, and didn't have much luck keeping them healthy. I am better educated on their care now, so here goes! Ant suggestions about my nitrates, though? Thanks!

Oh, my lfs said it is okay to leave the plants in the pots (little black pots with many slots on the sides). Is this really ok? I think these swords are considered to be "medium sized". Also, if I take them out of the pots, what is the best way to plant them? I told you, I'm a newbie when it comes to plants

 

[Slyspy]

No expert myself but I think it is a long term thing so don't expect any dramatic changes. This is especially true of slow growing plants, and I think will apply in the case of swords.

For a quicker fix try a fast growing floating plant that will use the nitrates up faster but not clutter up your tank so much.

I have had mixed advice on the plant pot thing. I have left my mid-ground plants in their pots burid in the gravel since some say it restricts their growth. I don't want a jungle after all, but they are thriving nontheless. Not sure about swords specifically though.