Unlike the aerobic bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate, the bacteria that remove nitrate avoid oxygen-rich environments. … Keeping live plants: Live plants utilize nitrate and will help keep the levels lower.

Do plants remove nitrates?

How Do Plants Remove Nitrates? Nitrate is actually one of the major nutrients that plants need in order to grow. Plants absorb nitrate through their roots, leaves and/or stems and use it as food.

Do plants affect nitrate levels?

Utilize aquatic plants Fast growing aquatic plants in particular have a high demand in elements such as nitrate and phosphate among other nutrients. Thus they can contribute to the lowering of nitrate and phosphate concentrations.