Additional plant food?

[Wyld-Fyre]

Hi all,

I'm not an expert in this area, but know the importance of having living plants in the tank. So, here're my questions, and they're probably 'stupid' ones, but I need to ask them.

1) I like a planted aquarium. Would my plants need plant food to supplement their requirements on top of the tanks' nitrates?

2) If yes, would plant food pose a threat to the stability of my tank, especially to the health of my fishes?

3) If yes to q1, then what type of product would be most suitable to aquatic plants?

Much appreciated.

 

[Bol]

1) Yes, there are 17 nutrients that plants need for healthy growth. However, in most cases most (or all) of those nutrients are provided by the tap water you use in the tank.

Whether you need to explicitly add these nutrients depends a lot on your energy (light) level.

2) Most likely not -- almost certainly not if it's a commercial product specifically designed for aquatic plants.

3) Again, depends on your light levels. Below 2 watts per gallon or so, most fertilization isn't necessary.

But carbon, nitrates, and phosphates are probably the most frequently added macro-nutrients, while iron is probably the most-used micro-nutrient.

Usually, these come in forms like this:

carbon -- injected CO2.
nitrates -- potassium nitrate, such as some 'stump removers".
phosphates -- sodium phosphate; many commercial enemas are just sodium phosphate and water.
iron -- from a dedicated aquatic iron supplement.