what do you mean by aquarium veggie filter?

[defool89]

Ive heard it somewhere and cant get it iut of my head...what is it? Or did I just make up a term here with no meaning

[Terrance]

I think it means plants are being used as filtration in an area other than the display tank, such as a sump. Fast growing plants are most effective. I did it for my Fahaka tank, but it eats up more of my electricity bill and energy maintaining it. Might as well not do it at all if I'm doing 50-75% water changes every week.

[defool89]

Ahhh as in have plants through running water to absorb any excess? Like hydroponics with a purpose

[Terrance]

Yeah I think so. Commonly used in Koi ponds in my area since those lazy people never change their water. They do an excellent job of soaking in all the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and a lot of dissolved waste. I once researched aquatic plants being used for sewage filters and the studies got me hooked for a while... which is why I tried doing a veggie filter in my sump. Stayed up several nights researching. It was fun at the time. Thats what this hobby is all about

[Pufferpunk]

library/water-filtration/veggiefiltersrtr/

[RTR]

Algae filters come in under the same heading (commonly for SW tanks). One of those was my first veggie filter.

Low-end BW and FW tanks most commonly use vascular plants or aquatic mosses.

Such filters serve both for water purification and for oxygenation.