What Is Pearling?

[mdwags]

I have had aquariums for years, but I just started this week with using live plants.

Please forgive a newbie, but what exacting is pearling?

Also, is it true that live plants will help reduce nitrates and algae formation?

 

[mlawson]

Pearling is when plants produce oxygen bubbles which are visible and they look like pearls, this is from their intense photosynthesis where there is plenty of light and CO2.

This link has lots of pearling pictures

Plants will take up nitrate from the water but only a minute amount, it is also true that dense plant growth can restrict algae growth.