Plants and nitrate consumption

[BAT]

I am wondering if aggressively pruning plants will help w nitrate levels. Do plants grow faster and therefore consume more nitrate when they are pruned back?

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi @BAT

Nitrogen consumption is directly related to the amount of photosynthesis going on in the tank.  The amount of plant matter, the light intensity, and the length of the photoperiod all impact the amount of nitrogen consumed.  When I prune I initially remove plant material so the amount of nitrogen consumed will drop.  When the amount of new growth is equal to or exceeds the amount of material removed the result would be increased use of nitrogen.  -Roy