Is Money Plant In Aquarium Is Suitable For Fish – Creating A Safe &

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow green thumbs! Have you ever stood between your lush, trailing Money Plant and your shimmering aquarium, and had a spark of an idea? “Could these two worlds meet?” you might wonder. It’s a common thought for anyone who loves both foliage and fins.

I’m here to promise you that the answer is a resounding YES. Combining a Money Plant with your aquarium isn’t just possible; it’s one of the most rewarding, beautiful, and beneficial things you can do for your aquatic ecosystem. It’s a match made in natural-filtration heaven.

In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into this fascinating topic. We’ll explore exactly why is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish, walk through the step-by-step process of setting it up safely, and cover all the best practices to ensure both your plant and your fish thrive together in a beautiful, symbiotic relationship.

The Short Answer: Yes, It’s Fantastic! (But With a Crucial Rule)

Let’s get straight to the point: Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is not only suitable but is one of the best houseplants to grow in an aquarium. It’s a win-win for your plant, your fish, and you.

But there’s one golden rule you absolutely must follow: Roots in the water, leaves out of the water.

Money Plant is not a true aquatic plant. Its leaves will rot if submerged, releasing ammonia and fouling your tank water. The magic happens when you let its roots dangle into the water from the top of the tank, allowing the lush vines to cascade down the outside.

Now, you might have heard that Money Plant is toxic. This is true—it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating if chewed or ingested. But don’t panic! For the vast majority of aquarium fish, this is a non-issue. They have zero interest in nibbling on the tough, fibrous roots. The only time to be cautious is with known plant-eaters like some larger Goldfish, Silver Dollars, or certain Cichlids. For common community fish like tetras, guppies, bettas, and corydoras, it’s perfectly safe.

Unpacking the Amazing Benefits of Money Plant in an Aquarium

So, why go to the trouble? Because the payoff is huge. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a healthier, more stable environment for your fish. Here are some of the incredible benefits of is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish.

  • A Natural Powerhouse Filter: This is the number one reason to do it. Fish waste produces ammonia, which breaks down into nitrites and then nitrates. While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrates still stress fish and fuel ugly algae blooms. Money Plant roots are nitrate-sucking machines! They absorb these compounds directly from the water as fertilizer, effectively supercharging your filtration and keeping the water pristine.
  • Less Algae, Fewer Water Changes: By consuming the excess nutrients that algae feed on, your Money Plant will actively help prevent green, murky water. With nitrates under control, you’ll find you can often extend the time between water changes, creating a more stable and sustainable is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish setup.
  • Aesthetic Beauty: Let’s be honest, it looks stunning. The vibrant green leaves trailing from your tank create a gorgeous, naturalistic “riparian” look. It beautifully merges your aquarium with your indoor garden, turning your tank into a living piece of art.
  • Safe Haven for Fish and Fry: The complex, dangling root system provides fantastic shelter. Shy fish, shrimp, and especially tiny baby fish (fry) will love hiding and foraging among the roots, feeling safe and secure.

How to Prepare and Add Your Money Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? It’s easier than you think! Following this simple is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish guide will ensure a smooth and successful introduction. Don’t worry—this is a perfect project for beginners!

  1. Select a Healthy Cutting: Start with a healthy piece of Money Plant vine. Look for a cutting that is 6-12 inches long with at least 3-4 leaves and a few “nodes” – those little brown bumps on the stem where new roots will grow.
  2. Clean It Like You Mean It: This step is critical. You must remove any traces of soil, pesticides, or fertilizers from the plant. Gently rinse the cutting under lukewarm tap water. If it came from a pot, carefully wash every bit of dirt from its existing roots. Pests or chemicals from a houseplant can be deadly in a closed aquarium system.
  3. Prepare the Cutting: Take your clean cutting and snip off the bottom-most leaf or two. You want a few inches of bare stem to place in the water. This prevents leaves from being submerged and rotting.
  4. Position Your Plant: Now for the fun part! You need to secure the plant so its roots are in the water and its leaves are out. You have a few great options:
    • In the Filter: The outflow area of a hang-on-back (HOB) filter is a perfect spot. The water flow is gentle, and the filter box provides support.
    • Suction Cup Planters: You can find small plastic cups with suction cups that stick to the inside of the aquarium glass. Just pop the stem in, and you’re set.
    • DIY Solutions: Get creative! A piece of airline tubing holder, a small gap in the aquarium lid, or even just wedging it gently in a corner can work perfectly.
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And that’s it! Your Money Plant will start growing new, white, water-adapted roots within a week or two. It’s truly that simple.

Is Money Plant in Aquarium is Suitable for Fish? Best Practices for a Healthy Ecosystem

Once your plant is in place, maintaining this beautiful setup is a breeze. This is all about creating a balanced, healthy environment. Following this is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish care guide will ensure long-term success.

Lighting Requirements

Money Plant is famously low-maintenance when it comes to light. The ambient light in your room, combined with the light from your aquarium’s hood, is almost always sufficient. It doesn’t need direct, intense light. In fact, too much direct sun can scorch its leaves.

Water and Nutrients

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to do anything special! Your fish provide all the fertilizer this plant could ever want. Their waste is a constant source of nitrogen and other micronutrients. Never add houseplant fertilizer to your aquarium water, as it can be harmful to your fish.

Pruning and Maintenance

Your Money Plant will grow, and its roots will get long and tangled. This is a sign of a healthy system! Every few months, it’s a good idea to do a little trimming. You can prune the roots back by about a third to keep them from getting sucked into the filter intake. You can also trim the vines outside the tank to encourage the plant to grow bushier and fuller.

Common Problems with Money Plant in an Aquarium (and How to Fix Them!)

Even with a plant as tough as this one, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry! Here’s a quick look at some common problems with is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish and their easy solutions.

Problem: The Leaves are Turning Yellow

A yellow leaf here and there is normal, especially on older leaves. But if you see widespread yellowing, it could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency (unlikely in a stocked tank) or, more commonly, too much light. Try moving the plant to a slightly shadier spot.

Problem: The Roots are Black and Mushy

This is likely root rot. It’s almost always caused by having too much of the stem or some of the leaves submerged in the water. Simply lift the plant, trim away any soft, dark roots with clean scissors, and reposition it so only the healthy roots and a tiny bit of bare stem are in the water.

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Problem: The Plant Isn’t Growing

Patience is key! It can take a few weeks for the plant to acclimate. If it still shows no new growth after a month, it might need a bit more light. Ensure it’s getting some indirect light from a window or is positioned well under your aquarium light.

Creating a Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Aquarium with Money Plant

By adding a Money Plant to your tank, you’re doing more than just decorating. You are creating a miniature ecosystem, a small-scale aquaponics system. This is a fantastic example of a sustainable is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish approach.

The fish produce waste, which becomes nutrient-rich food for the plant. The plant, in turn, purifies the water, making it a healthier home for the fish. This beautiful, natural cycle reduces your reliance on chemical filtration media and lowers the need for large water changes, conserving water and creating a more stable, eco-friendly is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish habitat.

It’s a simple, powerful way to work with nature in your own home, and it’s a wonderful lesson in ecological balance for anyone watching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant in Aquariums

Can I put the whole Money Plant in the aquarium, leaves and all?

No, absolutely not. This is the most important rule. Money Plant is a terrestrial plant, and its leaves are not adapted to being underwater. They will quickly rot, decay, and release harmful ammonia into your tank, which can be fatal to your fish.

Is Money Plant toxic to shrimp and snails?

Generally, no. Just like with fish, common invertebrates like Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Nerite snails show no interest in eating the plant’s roots. In fact, they will enjoy grazing on the biofilm that develops on the root system, making it a beneficial addition for them as well.

Will the Money Plant roots clog my filter?

They can if you let them grow wild for a very long time. The roots are naturally drawn to the high-flow area of a filter intake. A simple trim every few months as part of your regular maintenance is all it takes to prevent this from ever becoming an issue.

Do I need to add fertilizer for the Money Plant?

In 99% of cases, no. A well-stocked aquarium is a self-fertilizing system for a Money Plant. The nutrients from fish waste are a perfect food source. Adding extra fertilizer is unnecessary and could potentially harm your fish.

Your Thriving Aquascape Awaits

So, the final verdict on is money plant in aquarium is suitable for fish is a clear and enthusiastic “yes!” It’s an easy, beautiful, and incredibly effective way to improve the health of your aquarium while adding a new dimension to your indoor garden.

By following the simple steps and best practices we’ve covered, you can confidently create a stunning, self-sustaining feature in your home. Remember the golden rule—roots in, leaves out—and you’ll be on your way to success.

Go ahead, grab a cutting, and give it a try. You’re just one simple step away from a more vibrant, balanced, and breathtakingly beautiful aquarium. Happy gardening and happy fishkeeping!

Rimon Chowdhury
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