Plants that aid in filtration.

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Author Message   Ron  Posted on Monday, August 07, 2006 - 01:45 am:    Hello all, I am new here and I have some questions about aquatic plants that can and will reduce harmful toxins (such as ammonia) from the water. I have been doing some research online and it seems that I may need to take chemistry 101 before I can continue. Before I do that I am hoping that I can find someone that can simplify it all for me. First of all let me explain my situation. I own a large semi-aquatic lizard that originates from West Africa. I am hoping to build her a large habitat in my backyard consisting of a small pond. The problem is that she prefers to use her pond as a restroom. Since she is carnivorous, it's a real challenge keeping her water clean and sanitary. If there is anyone here that can point me in the right direction, I am very interested in hearing from you. All comments are welcome. Thanks, Ron Ron - California, Zone "?"   Karalyn  My Weather Posted on Wednesday, August 09, 2006 - 10:19 am:    Well, let's see. So the Lizard won't be eating plant life, right? Since it likes live animals. Irises are very helpful to keep water clean. Cattails, hyacinths, water lettuce, Pennywort, waterlilies, Parrots Feather, Duck weed, and other floaters. Cannas are good too and since you are in California many of these plants will work great for you and not have to worry too much about snow or too cold of temperatures. Baby tears are a favorite of mine around ponds, as I use to live in San Jose and my brother has a few small ponds and they were really nice with the Baby Tears that won't suffer from freezing temps. Thyme is a great all around groundcover for cold temps and heat. You will need some filtration and a waterfall is nice for aeration and beauty as well as filtering. This is a start, tell us more about the size you plan on building. Karalyn Idaho Zone 6   Mike_in_chicago  My Garden Posted on Friday, August 11, 2006 - 12:52 pm:    I think the best two plants for filtration are water hyacinths, though any plants with roots in the water are good. I think where you are, though, WH's are perhaps not allowed? I know they have invasiveness issues with it in Florida, whereas here it's an annual. I use them in the veggie filter part of my pond, and by this time of the season (they need sun and heat), they have roots up to 14" long and I never have any filter clogs, algae or anything but clear water. Mike_in_chicago - Chicago, IL, Zone "5b"   Ron  Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 01:34 am:    Thanks all, We just moved into a new house that already has a pond in the backyard. It had not been used for anything but a mosquito breeding pool for a couple of years. It is fairly small (guestemated 200 gal.). But I believe it will serve its purpose well. As for the water hyacinth, cattails and lesser duckweed they are all very common in the local wetlands. Thanks Ron Ron - California, Zone "?"   Karalyn  My Weather Posted on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - 11:07 am:    Well, when you get a minute, post us a picture of your lizard and new pond. Karalyn Idaho Zone 6   Ron  Posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 03:27 pm:    I don't have any of the pond yet. But lets try some of our girl. I hope you like her, I know we sure do. Ron - California, Zone "?"   Karalyn  My Weather Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 09:17 am:    She looks awesome...in your house! I thought maybe you could show us a before photo of the existing pond just to get an idea of what you are working with. I like learning about these critters from various animal shows. Very interesting. Are these the lizards they call Gila Monsters in Arizona? The only lizard I use to hold...were the blue belly ones that are around San Jose and that area in California. My friend who lives in Carson City, NV has them around and her dog likes to pounce in the junipers to catch them. I don't know if the dog catches them but he sure has fun pouncing on them and he hops around trying to find more lizards to get out of the bushes. Very funny too watch. Karalyn Idaho Zone 6   Ron  Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 01:04 am:    I will try and post some as soon as I download them from my camera. It is nothing fancy. As for the lizard she is called an Ornate monitor (varanus ornatus) they are Africa's largest lizard, she is about 4' long and only 2 years old. Ron - California, Zone "?"

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