$5 Pothos Plant: Natural Aquarium Filter That Saves Tanks
Can a $5 aquarium plant really save your fish tank? Absolutely. Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the most affordable and effective solutions for nitrate control, algae reduction, and water stability. Unlike expensive gadgets or chemical treatments, this simple plant works naturally, making it the perfect beginner-proof option for fishkeepers in the US, UK, and Europe.
Why Nitrates Are a Problem in Aquariums
Nitrates are the end product of the nitrogen cycle. While small amounts are harmless, high levels can stress your fish, reduce growth, fuel algae blooms, and even shorten lifespans. Many hobbyists perform constant water changes just to keep nitrate levels down. That’s exhausting and not always effective. This is where plants, especially pothos, come to the rescue.
How Pothos Works as a Natural Nitrate Sponge
Unlike aquatic plants, pothos grows with its roots submerged and its leaves above the water. These roots act as natural filters, absorbing nitrates and phosphates directly from the aquarium. The plant turns harmful waste into healthy green growth, cleaning your water while creating a stable environment for your fish.
Key Benefits of Pothos in Fish Tanks
- Nitrate reduction: Pothos roots soak up excess nutrients, keeping levels safe for fish.
- Algae control: By removing nitrates and phosphates, pothos starves algae before it can spread.
- Shade and oxygen: Long roots offer shelter for shy species while improving gas exchange.
- Water stability: Pothos helps prevent dangerous spikes that often cause fish deaths.
Why Beginners Love This Plant
Pothos is almost impossible to kill. All you need is a small cutting, usually around $5, placed with the roots in your aquarium. It adapts quickly, requires no CO₂ system, and grows under most household lighting. For beginners who struggle with algae or cloudy water, pothos is a low-cost, high-reward solution that delivers results fast.
Bonus Plants That Boost Water Quality
While pothos is a powerhouse, you can strengthen your natural filtration by adding other fast growers:
- Duckweed: A tiny floating plant that multiplies rapidly, consuming nitrates while shading your tank to reduce algae.
- Hornwort: A hardy stem plant that absorbs excess nutrients and provides cover for fry and small fish.
Combining pothos with duckweed or hornwort can give you a balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem.
Scientific Support for Pothos in Aquariums
Aquaponics research shows that fast-growing plants like pothos can significantly lower nitrate concentrations. source: aquariumscience.org Because it thrives hydroponically and produces massive root systems, pothos is one of the most effective emergent plants for aquarium water quality. Many aquarists report nitrate levels dropping from 40 ppm to under 10 ppm in just a few weeks after adding pothos cuttings.
Why Plants Beat Chemicals and Gadgets
Commercial nitrate removers and chemical additives may provide short-term relief, but they don’t solve the root problem. Filters and special media can be expensive and require constant replacement. Pothos, on the other hand, is sustainable, grows stronger with time, and costs just a few dollars. It’s nature’s way of balancing your tank — simple, affordable, and effective.
Watch the Full Guide on YouTube
Want to see how this works in action? Check out our full video:
This $5 Aquarium Plant Could SAVE Your Fish Tank
Timestamps:
- 0:00 – $5 Plant That Saves Your Aquarium?!
- 0:26 – #7 Cheap Plant for Budget Fishkeepers
- 0:46 – #6 Beginner-Proof Aquarium Plant
- 1:10 – #5 Pothos Roots as Nitrate Sponge
- 1:30 – #4 Natural Algae Control Without Chemicals
- 1:51 – #3 Oxygen & Shade From Pothos Roots
- 2:11 – #2 How Pothos Stabilizes Tank Spikes
- 2:34 – #1 The Ultimate $5 Aquarium Lifesaver
- 2:54 – Bonus Plants: Duckweed & Hornwort Explained
- 3:19 – Which Cheap Plant Would YOU Try?
Tips for Using Pothos Safely
Always keep pothos leaves above the waterline. Only the roots should touch the aquarium water, because the leaves contain compounds that could be harmful if submerged. Place the cutting in a filter section, hang-on-back filter, or directly at the top of the tank with roots trailing down. Within weeks you’ll notice longer roots, stronger growth, and clearer water.
About FishTank Mastery
At FishTank Mastery, we help fishkeepers build stable, beautiful tanks without wasting money on gimmicks. Our mission is to provide proven, beginner-friendly advice that works in real life. Join our growing community across the US, UK, and Europe, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more aquarium tips and guides.
More Natural Solutions for a Healthy Aquarium
If you enjoyed learning how a simple pothos cutting can stabilize your water, you’ll love exploring other beginner-friendly methods to keep your tank balanced. For example, cycling a tank properly is one of the most important steps before adding any fish. Our full guide on how to cycle a planted aquarium without fish explains the natural nitrogen cycle in detail and shows how plants play a big role in keeping water parameters safe.
Another common question for new aquarists is knowing exactly when a tank is ready for fish. Rushing too soon often leads to algae blooms and unstable water. That’s why we created a step-by-step guide covering the 5 signs your aquarium is ready for fish. These checks make sure your system is stable before introducing livestock, saving both money and fish lives.
Of course, even with good plants like pothos, algae can sometimes sneak in. If you’re struggling with green hair algae, don’t panic — there are easy, natural fixes that actually work. Our practical article on the fast and natural way to fix green hair algae will help you regain control without harsh chemicals, keeping your tank clean and beginner-friendly.
Finally, many fishkeepers discover pest snails hitchhiking on plants or decorations. While pothos won’t solve that issue, there are safe, natural methods you can use. Check out our detailed guide on removing pest snails without chemicals to keep your ecosystem balanced and snail-free. Together, these strategies — combined with the nitrate-absorbing power of pothos — give you a sustainable and healthy aquarium for the long run.
