Split-leaf Philodendron

Operation Philodendron - a story how a plant can live in an oscar tank

Split-leaf philodendron is known as a pot-plant, but also a poisonous plant, which is why it should be kept away from any animals. However we have successfully used a philodendron as a biological filter for our aquarium. In addition this filter is also a cost-effective choice, it does not require cleaning and it's easy to install!

Omenapuun oksa

Idea for using a split-leaf philodendron in aquarium was first discovered in an aquarium shop called Tampereen Siniriutta. They had a very good looking and large split-leaf philodendron attached to a branch of wood. The whole thing was attached to sealing on top of the tank. So, we too acquired a Y-shaped apple tree branch, which was then sand blasted clean.

Peikon pesu

We found a decent size split-leaf philodendron from Partolan Kukkatalo, a plant store near by. Initially the idea was to throw the pot away and give the plant a quick shower, but it didn't quite work that way. Roots of the philodendron was a huge clump. It took hours to wash all the dirt off. Most of the aerial roots were also cut off. We weren't too fond of meters long lianes hanging on top of our aquarium.

Allas peikkoineen

The philodenderon was installed by using Panduit cable ties. The space on top of the aquarium does not seem so empty now with the philodendron and a spot light (a must during dark winter time in Finland).

Osku ja peikon juuret

Oscars were not too fond of roots of the philodendron. Each and every one of the oscars came on their turn and tried to bite the roots off causing the whole plant to swing from side to side. At first we were a bit worried about the oscars because of the poisonous plant. Well, every oscar seems to be still alive.

Split-leaf philodendron before and after

The split-leaf philodendron up and running! Due to liquid balance changes the lowermost leafs are hanging exceptionally down. During the first two months the plant grew two new leafs. The roots have grown enormously, too. Our biological filter functions splendidly! (Pictures: Right after the installation and a month after)

Links:

Alternative Aguarium Web Site, one of the rare sites telling how to use ordinary plants in aquarium.