Aquarium Plant Fertilizer

Aquarium plant fertilizer is a key ingredient for successful planted tank success. It provides the plants with essential macro-nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in form of nutrients that are quickly available in the water. They are used by the plants as an energy source to grow and develop. In addition, plants need micro-nutrients and trace elements for their proper growth.

Ideally, the planted aquarium nutrient levels should be checked before adding any plant fertilizer to the tank. This would give the aquarist a precise idea of how much fertilizer to add. However, this is time consuming and difficult for new hobbyists. This is why there are ready-to-use plant fertilizers, which can be added directly to the aquarium water. These products are known as aquarium plant fertilizers and are available in different forms. Whether you choose a liquid, powder or tablet fertilizer will depend on the type of planted tank and its water chemistry.

A good aquarium plant fertilizer starts with a pre-packed substrate that contains the important macronutrients and other essentials for the planted aquarium. Such a substrate is particularly useful for the first few weeks after planting because it can help the plants to settle in their new environment and to grow roots. However, the best aquarium plant fertilizer for the long term are liquid fertilizers. These are available in a variety of forms, from a single iron product through complete nutrient fertilizers to multi-component plant fertilizers. They provide a coordinated quantity of the most important macronutrients and also include additional micro-nutrients.

Nitrogen, for example, is used by plants in various ways depending on their species and the level of light. In densely stocked and high-bioload tanks, the plant plants are usually using up nitrogen very quickly. This can cause nitrogen deficiency, which is shown by wilting of older leaves. If the deficiency persists, it can lead to the death of the entire plant. In this case, a nitrogen-only fertilizer such as Advanced GH Boost N can be used.

Phosphorus and potassium are used by the plants in less excessive quantities. However, a high consumption of these elements can result in a decrease of the pH value and in the German degree of hardness (dKh). This may result in an unfavorable water quality.

The fourth and most important macronutrient for plants is carbon. This is supplied to the planted aquarium by the natural gas CO2. However, for this to work correctly, the aquarium water must have a suitable pH and dKh value. This is why it is important to have a good quality and easy-to-read water test kit at hand.

The easiest way to add aquarium plant fertilizer is by using a liquid product. This is a plant fertilizer that contains the three most important macronutrients and also includes some micro-nutrients. A good example is API Leaf Zone, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This aquarium plant fertilizer is especially suitable for beginner hobbyists because it is easily soluble and does not affect the water chemistry in the tank.