Plants are a very good way to remove nitrates from tank water but most people forget to quarantine them. Any living thing that goes into your aquarium could contain pests that can spread to fish. Parasite and white spot are very common and I would recommend that anyone thinking of adding plants to there tank give them a very good wash in fresh water. Then a bath in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.(available online if you do a search) this is a form of disinfectant that will remove any unwanted guest including snails. rinse again in clean water after the bath.

i have tried plants a few times but havent had much luck with them myself. A few other members have had success so its a case of try and see. good luck