How To Put Pothos In Aquarium – Create A Natural Filtration Powerhouse
Ever feel like you’re constantly battling nitrates, struggling with stubborn algae, or just wishing your aquarium looked a bit more vibrant and natural? You’re not alone! Many aquarists, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic beginners, share these common frustrations. But what if there was a simple, elegant solution that not only tackles these issues but also adds a stunning touch of green to your setup?
Good news: there is! That solution comes in the form of a common houseplant you might already own: the mighty Pothos. This article will show you exactly how to put Pothos in aquarium setups, transforming your tank into a healthier, more beautiful ecosystem. Get ready to unlock the secrets to clearer water, happier fish, and a thriving aquatic environment with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!
Why Pothos is an Aquarium Game-Changer
Adding Pothos to your aquarium isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about harnessing nature’s incredible filtration power. This popular houseplant acts as a living, breathing nutrient sponge, working tirelessly to improve your water quality.
Imagine significantly reduced nitrates, less frequent water changes, and a natural deterrent to unsightly algae blooms. That’s the power of Pothos!
The Science Behind Pothos Filtration
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining plant renowned for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions. When its roots are submerged in aquarium water, it performs a process similar to hydroponics.
The plant actively absorbs dissolved waste products from the water. These include nitrates, phosphates, and other nitrogenous compounds that are typically byproducts of fish waste and decaying food.
By consuming these nutrients, Pothos directly competes with algae, which also rely on these same compounds to grow. This natural competition helps keep algae under control, leading to a cleaner, clearer tank.
Furthermore, Pothos contributes to oxygenation, though its primary benefit is nutrient export. It effectively removes excess nutrients from the water column, preventing them from accumulating to harmful levels for your fish and invertebrates.
Choosing the Right Pothos and Preparing Your Cuttings
Before you get started, it’s crucial to select the right plant and prepare it properly. Don’t worry—this setup is perfect for beginners!
Selecting Healthy Pothos Varieties
The good news is that most common varieties of Pothos will thrive in an aquarium environment. Whether you have Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, Neon Pothos, or even a ‘N’Joy’, they all share the same beneficial characteristics.
When selecting a plant, look for healthy, vibrant green leaves without any signs of yellowing, wilting, or pest damage. Avoid plants that look stressed or have brown spots.
You can purchase a small Pothos plant from almost any garden center or even ask a friend for a cutting from their established plant. This is a very forgiving plant, making it ideal for this project.
Harvesting Pothos Cuttings Safely
To get your Pothos ready for the aquarium, you’ll need to take cuttings. This is a straightforward process:
Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Sterilizing them with rubbing alcohol beforehand helps prevent the spread of any potential plant diseases.
Identify a Node: Look along the Pothos vine for a “node.” This is a small bump or joint on the stem where a leaf emerges, and where roots will eventually grow. It’s crucial to include at least one node in your cutting.
Make the Cut: Snip the vine about 1/4 to 1/2 inch below a node. Aim for cuttings that are 4-8 inches long, ensuring each has at least 2-3 leaves and 1-2 nodes.
Remove Lower Leaves: Gently remove any leaves that would be submerged in the aquarium water. Only the roots should be in the water; the leaves must remain emersed (out of the water) to prevent them from rotting and fouling your tank.
You can root these cuttings in a separate jar of dechlorinated water for a week or two before placing them in your aquarium. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it can give them a head start and ensure they begin developing roots before being introduced to your main tank.
Cleaning and Quarantining Your Pothos
This step is absolutely critical for the safety of your aquatic inhabitants. Store-bought Pothos plants are often treated with pesticides, fungicides, or other chemicals that can be highly toxic to fish, shrimp, and even beneficial bacteria in your aquarium.
Here’s how to safely prepare your cuttings:
Rinse Thoroughly: Vigorously rinse the entire cutting, especially the stems and any remaining leaves, under running tap water for several minutes. This helps remove surface dirt and some chemical residues.
Soak in Dechlorinated Water: Place your cuttings in a separate container filled with dechlorinated water (you can use your regular aquarium dechlorinator). Let them soak for at least 24-48 hours, changing the water once or twice during this period.
Inspect for Pests: While soaking, carefully inspect the leaves and stems for any hitchhiking pests like spider mites, aphids, or fungus gnats. If you spot any, continue rinsing and soaking until you are confident they are gone. You can gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth.
Avoid Soaps or Chemicals: Never use soap, detergents, or any other cleaning chemicals on your Pothos cuttings. Even trace amounts can be lethal to your aquarium ecosystem.
This cleaning process ensures that you’re introducing a clean, healthy plant that won’t harm your established aquarium environment.
Step-by-Step: How to Put Pothos in Aquarium Water
Now for the exciting part – getting your Pothos into its new home! There are a few ways to achieve this, each with its own benefits.
Method 1: Submerged Roots, Emersed Leaves (Most Common)
This is the simplest and most popular method for incorporating Pothos into your aquarium. The key is to ensure only the roots are in the water, while the leaves remain above the surface.
Prepare Your Cuttings: As discussed, ensure your Pothos cuttings are clean, free of lower leaves, and ideally have started to develop some small roots in a separate jar of water.
Choose a Placement: Identify a spot on the back or sides of your aquarium where the Pothos can hang. Good options include:
Filter Intake/Outflow: Many hang-on-back filters have a lip or space where you can tuck the stems. The water flow from the filter outlet can even help circulate water around the roots.
Aquarium Rim: Simply drape the stems over the edge of the tank. You might need a small clip or suction cup holder to keep them secure and prevent them from falling in.
Lid Openings: If your tank has a lid with cutouts for equipment, these can be perfect for hanging Pothos stems.
DIY Hangers: Small plastic plant hangers designed for aquariums or even simple paper clips bent into shape can be used to hold the stems in place.
Ensure Only Roots are Submerged: This is critical. Push the stem down just enough so that the nodes and any developing roots are fully submerged in the aquarium water. All leaves MUST be above the waterline. Any submerged leaves will rot, leading to ammonia spikes and potentially harming your fish.
Monitor Water Level: Pothos roots will grow quite long over time. Ensure they always remain submerged. If your water level drops due to evaporation, top it off regularly.
This method allows the Pothos to draw nutrients directly from the tank water, contributing to excellent natural filtration. It’s aesthetically pleasing and easy to set up, making it an ideal way to how to put Pothos in aquarium for beginners.
Method 2: DIY Pothos Holder or Planter
For a more secure or decorative approach, you can create a custom holder for your Pothos.
Suction Cup Holders: Many online retailers offer small plastic holders with suction cups designed to attach to the inside or outside of your tank. These often have slots or rings to hold plant stems securely.
PVC Pipe Adapters: For larger tanks, you can cut small sections of PVC pipe, cap one end, and drill holes for the Pothos stems. These can be weighted or attached to the tank rim.
3D Printed Holders: If you have access to a 3D printer, there are numerous designs available online for custom Pothos holders that clip onto the tank rim or sit neatly in a corner.
Filter Floss Baskets: Some aquarists create small baskets out of filter floss or plastic mesh, filling them with inert media (like lava rock or ceramic rings) to hold the Pothos roots, then hang these baskets over the tank rim or inside a sump.
These methods offer more stability and can be integrated more seamlessly into your aquarium’s overall design.
Method 3: Integrating Pothos into a Sump or Filter
For those with more advanced setups, particularly tanks with sumps or refugiums, Pothos can be a powerful addition to your mechanical filtration system.
Refugium Section: Dedicate a section of your sump to Pothos. You can create a small “hydroponic” grow bed using egg crate lighting diffusers, allowing the Pothos roots to dangle directly into the flowing water from your tank.
Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filter Modification: Some hobbyists modify their HOB filters by removing the filter media basket and replacing it with Pothos cuttings. The filter’s pump continuously circulates water over the roots, providing excellent nutrient absorption.
DIY Grow Box: Construct a small, light-proof box above your sump where you can grow Pothos. Route a small pump to bring water from the sump into the box, letting it drain back down. This creates a dedicated Pothos grow area, maximizing its filtration potential without affecting the main display tank’s aesthetics.
These methods are highly effective for larger tanks or those with heavy bioloads, as they maximize the contact between the Pothos roots and nutrient-rich water.
Essential Considerations for Pothos in Your Fish Tank
While Pothos is low-maintenance, a few considerations will help ensure its success and the health of your aquarium.
Lighting Requirements for Emersed Pothos
Since the leaves of your Pothos will be above the water, they’ll need light just like any other houseplant. Fortunately, Pothos is very forgiving when it comes to lighting:
Ambient Room Light: In most homes, ambient room light is sufficient for Pothos to grow. A brightly lit room, but not necessarily direct sunlight, is ideal.
Dedicated Grow Light: If your room is dim, or you want to encourage faster growth, a small LED grow light positioned above the Pothos will do wonders. Any full-spectrum LED light suitable for houseplants will work.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: While Pothos tolerates a range of light, prolonged direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, especially if it’s not accustomed to it.
The light for your aquarium itself (for aquatic plants or fish viewing) generally won’t be enough for the emersed Pothos leaves unless it’s a very powerful, specialized light that also illuminates the area above the tank.
Nutrient Balance and Fertilization
One of the primary reasons to add Pothos is its ability to absorb excess nutrients. This means:
No External Fertilizers Needed: You should never add houseplant fertilizers directly to your aquarium water. The Pothos will thrive on the nitrates, phosphates, and other trace elements produced by your fish and decaying organic matter.
Reduced Water Changes: With a healthy Pothos plant actively consuming nitrates, you may find yourself needing to perform water changes less frequently. However, don’t eliminate them entirely; water changes are still essential for replenishing trace minerals and removing other accumulated waste products.
Potential for Nutrient Deficiency in Aquatic Plants: If you also keep heavily planted aquatic tanks, a large Pothos plant might outcompete your submerged plants for nutrients. Monitor your aquatic plants for signs of nutrient deficiency (e.g., yellowing leaves, stunted growth). If this occurs, you might need to dose specific aquatic plant fertilizers carefully or reduce the amount of Pothos.
Pothos truly is a low-tech, natural solution for nutrient export, making it a fantastic addition for most aquarists.
Pruning and Maintenance
As your Pothos grows, it will require some basic maintenance to keep it healthy and effective.
Root Trimming: Pothos roots can grow extensively, sometimes filling a significant portion of your tank. If the root mass becomes too dense, it can restrict water flow or simply become unsightly. You can gently trim the roots with clean scissors. Don’t remove more than about one-third of the root mass at a time to avoid shocking the plant.
Leaf and Vine Pruning: Your Pothos vines will grow long and lush. Prune them back to maintain the desired length and bushiness. You can propagate the trimmed sections into new Pothos plants or add them to other tanks!
Remove Dead/Yellowing Leaves: Periodically check for any yellowing or decaying leaves. Remove them promptly to prevent them from falling into the water and contributing to waste.
Regular, light pruning will encourage bushier growth and ensure the plant remains a vibrant and effective part of your aquarium’s ecosystem.
Pothos and Tank Inhabitants: A Safe Combination?
A common question is whether Pothos is safe for fish and shrimp. The short answer is generally yes, with an important caveat.
Toxicity: Pothos is considered toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract. However, this primarily affects humans and terrestrial pets (cats, dogs) that might chew on the leaves.
Fish and Shrimp Safety: In an aquarium setup, the leaves are kept out of the water, and fish typically do not attempt to eat the roots. Therefore, the risk to your aquatic inhabitants is extremely low to non-existent. There are countless hobbyists successfully using Pothos without any harm to their fish or shrimp.
Caution with Terrestrial Pets/Children: Ensure that any exposed Pothos leaves are out of reach of curious children or household pets who might be tempted to nibble on them.
As long as you follow the guideline of keeping leaves out of the water, Pothos is a perfectly safe and beneficial addition to your aquarium.
Troubleshooting Common Pothos Problems
Even the hardiest plants can encounter minor issues. Here’s how to tackle common problems with Pothos in your aquarium.
Yellowing Leaves
If you notice the leaves of your Pothos turning yellow, it’s usually a sign of a nutrient imbalance or environmental stress:
Nutrient Deficiency: While Pothos thrives on aquarium waste, very clean tanks with low bioloads might not provide enough nutrients. Consider if your tank is heavily planted with other aquatic plants that are outcompeting the Pothos, or if your fish bioload is exceptionally low. This is rare in most community tanks.
Too Much Light: While Pothos likes bright indirect light, direct harsh light can cause leaves to yellow or develop bleached spots. Try moving the plant to a less intense light area.
Too Little Light: Conversely, insufficient light can also lead to yellowing and slow growth. If your room is very dim, a small grow light might be beneficial.
Old Leaves: It’s natural for older leaves at the base of the vine to yellow and drop off as the plant puts energy into new growth. Remove these as they appear.
Monitor your plant’s overall health and the conditions around it to pinpoint the cause.
Slow Growth or Rotting Roots
Pothos is generally a fast grower, so slow or stunted growth, or worse, rotting roots, indicates an issue:
Lack of Nutrients: Again, a very “clean” tank might not have enough nitrates to fuel rapid Pothos growth. This is usually only an issue in lightly stocked or heavily planted tanks where other plants are consuming nutrients.
Poor Water Flow Around Roots: If the roots are in a stagnant area of your tank or filter, they might not be getting a constant supply of fresh, nutrient-rich water. Adjust the placement to ensure good circulation around the roots.
Too Many Submerged Leaves: If any leaves fell into the water and began to rot, this can cause water quality issues that stress the entire plant, including the roots. Promptly remove any decaying plant matter.
Overcrowding: If you have too many Pothos cuttings in a small area, they might be competing with each other. Thin them out if necessary.
Healthy Pothos roots should be white or light tan. Dark, mushy roots are a sign of rot and indicate a problem with water quality or placement.
Algae Growth on Roots
Occasionally, you might see algae growing on the submerged Pothos roots. This isn’t usually harmful to the Pothos itself, but it can be unsightly and indicate excess nutrients or light in the water.
Excess Light: If the roots are exposed to too much direct light from your aquarium’s main lighting, algae can form. Try to position the roots in a slightly shaded area if possible.
High Nutrients: While Pothos absorbs nutrients, if your tank has a very high bioload or is overfed, there might still be enough excess nutrients for algae to thrive on the roots. Review your feeding habits and consider a small water change.
Gentle Cleaning: You can gently rub the algae off the roots with your fingers during a water change. This won’t harm the Pothos.
Algae on Pothos roots is generally a minor issue and can often be resolved with slight adjustments to lighting or tank maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pothos in Aquariums
Here are some common questions aquarists have when learning how to put Pothos in aquarium setups.
Can Pothos grow fully submerged?
No, Pothos is not an aquatic plant and cannot grow fully submerged in water. Its leaves will rot if kept underwater, releasing harmful ammonia and nitrites into your aquarium. Only the roots should be submerged, while the leaves must remain above the waterline.
How long does it take for Pothos to start growing in an aquarium?
Pothos cuttings typically start showing new root growth within 1-2 weeks, especially if they were pre-rooted. You’ll likely see new leaf growth within 3-4 weeks. Once established, Pothos is a vigorous grower, and you’ll notice significant changes in just a few months.
Will Pothos roots clog my filter?
While Pothos roots can grow very long and dense, they are generally soft and pliable. They are unlikely to “clog” mechanical filters in the same way detritus would. However, a very dense root ball could impede water flow in a small filter or sump section. Regular pruning of the roots will prevent this from becoming an issue.
Do I still need to do water changes with Pothos?
Yes, you absolutely still need to do water changes. Pothos is an excellent supplement to your filtration, significantly reducing nitrates and improving water quality. However, it doesn’t replace the need for water changes entirely. Water changes replenish essential trace minerals, remove hormones, pheromones, and other accumulated organic compounds that Pothos doesn’t absorb. Think of it as an aid, not a replacement.
Is Pothos toxic to fish or shrimp?
Pothos is toxic if ingested by terrestrial animals (humans, cats, dogs) due to calcium oxalate crystals. However, in an aquarium setup where the leaves are kept out of the water and only the roots are submerged, there is virtually no risk to fish or shrimp. Fish typically do not consume the roots, and the toxins are not released into the water in a harmful way. Keep leaves out of reach of curious pets and children.
Conclusion
Adding Pothos to your aquarium is one of the simplest, most effective, and visually appealing ways to enhance your tank’s health and beauty. By following the straightforward steps on how to put Pothos in aquarium water, you’re not just introducing a plant; you’re installing a powerful, natural filtration system.
Imagine enjoying consistently lower nitrates, clearer water, and a reduced battle against algae, all while admiring the lush, vibrant foliage above your tank. Pothos empowers you to maintain a more stable and thriving environment for your beloved fish and shrimp, freeing up your time to simply enjoy the serenity of your aquatic world.
So go ahead, grab some cuttings, follow these guidelines, and prepare to witness the amazing transformation. Your aquarium (and your fish!) will thank you for it. Happy Pothos keeping!
