Ferns For Filtration

[WailuaBoy]

Greetings Fishkeepers,
I had some Hydrocotyle growing in HOB filter, eventually I noticed a few fern sprouts. I typically remove these but I decided to leave and see what happened. The ferns have now out grown the Hydrocotyle and developed a fairly large root mass. I know ferns aren't known to be heavy feeders(nutritionally speaking)but with the amount of growth I've seen I'm impressed. The downside is the amount of pollen/spores that is released. Another advantage is, most plant eaters would touch them. What are your guys thoughts on the filter potential of ferns?

 

[fishorama]

View attachment 215915 View attachment 215916 View attachment 215915 View attachment 215916 Greetings Fishkeepers,
I had some Hydrocotyle growing in HOB filter, eventually I noticed a few fern sprouts. I typically remove these but I decided to leave and see what happened. The ferns have now out grown the Hydrocotyle and developed a fairly large root mass. I know ferns aren't known to be heavy feeders(nutritionally speaking)but with the amount of growth I've seen I'm impressed. The downside is the amount of pollen/spores that is released. Another advantage is, most plant eaters would touch them.View attachment 215915 View attachment 215916 What are your guys thoughts on the filter potential of ferns?

Ferns are awfully slow growing, might be ok for a very light fish load.

 

[WailuaBoy]

Ferns are awfully slow growing, might be ok for a very light fish load.

I'm seeing twice the growth to the hydrocotyle, which was planted months earlier.

 

[Duckie]

I am thinking: if it grows faster with fish poop, then it filters. Might be a slow growing plant, but could be a better nutrient sink than a real aquatic plant since the leaves are out of the water (unlimited CO2 from the air). Many ferns are tolerant towards low light, love moisture, but are very forgiving if you forget to water them. All this considered, they should do great.

 

[rufioman]

Awesome, dude. Love it. The roots are super attractive for your tank. Bummer about the pollen :/