Dosing the Main Fertilizers for Aquarium Plants

Aquarium plants require nutrients for optimal and lush growth. However, plants are sensitive to dosage levels. Therefore, the calculation of the optimal dosage level is necessary. Every time calculating fertilizer is laborious. The role of nutrients for aquarium plants, the importance of optimal dosing for planted aquariums, the calculation of fertilizer, and automation are in the scope of this article.

nutrients for aquarium plants

Nutrients for Aquarium Plants

Aquarium plants require both macro and micronutrients. Optimal quantity helps to promote the optimal growth. Here are some macronutrients and their role in plant nourishment.

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is among the most required nutrients for plant growth. It helps in chlorophyll synthesis and protein production and is a key component of amino acids. Nitrogen plays a pivotal role in plant growth and health.

Phosphorus (P)

It’s another macronutrient. It is essential for energy production, a building block for nucleic acid, a cell membrane component, and it controls the growth rate of the plants.

Potassium

It is another macro aquarium plant nutrient. It helps in

• Cell growth
• Activates the enzymes
• Regulate water moment
• Regulate opening and closing of stomata
• Improve the coloration of broad leave plants.

Iron

Iron is another important but micronutrient for aquatic plant growth. It plays a pivotal role in fast-growing plants. It has the following roles.

• A key component for enzymatic reactions that helps in chlorophyll production.
• It properly functions the chloroplast in the plant.
• It helps to maintain the plant structure.

Magnesium

It is also a micronutrient but crucial for aquatic plant growth. It has many roles.

• It is a core component of chlorophyll.
• Magnesium helps in various enzymatic reactions in the plants.
• It helps to uptake or absorb the nutrients, i.e., phosphorus.
• It helps in healthy plant cell growth.

dosing for planted aquarium

What Happens to Too Much Fertilizer in a Planted Tank?

Fertilization is necessary, and it helps in the optimal growth of aquatic plants. However, everything is beneficial within the limits. When it goes beyond the limit, it has side effects. Here are some side effects of over-fertilization of aquarium plant nutrients.

Algae Bloom

High nutrient levels can cause algae bloom in the tank. The higher greenery will cause depletion of DO (Dissolved Oxygen), which is harmful for the aquatic pets.

Low Plant Growth

High nutrient levels suppress plant growth.

Sick Pets

Excessive fertilization causes sick or dying fish in the tank.

Calculate the Amount of Aquarium Fertilizer

In any case, over or under-fertilization, your plant or aquatic pets are vulnerable to numerous issues. Hence, it is important to calculate fertilizer optimal for different plants.

Plant Types

Various types of aquatic plants can be a part of your tank. The first step for fertilizer calculation is to identify the plant types. Here are the usual plant types based on the nutrition requirement for any planted tank.

Measuring Current Nutrient Level

You can use two methods to measure the current nutrient level in your tank, i.e., water testing and substrate testing.
Water Testing
Use a reliable water testing kit to measure the nutrient level in the tank, i.e., N (NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻), P (PO₄³⁻), K, Fe, and other micronutrients.
Substrate Testing
Some plants uptake the nutrients directly from the substrate. Check the nutrient level of the substrate. Also don’t forget to measure the pH. Usually, it’s normal, i.e., 6.5 to 7.5.
Plant Growth
Adjust the fertilizer dose according to the growth rate.

Determine the Plant Specific Requirements

Nutrient requirement varies for each plant. Usually, two factors decide fertilization requirements.
Growth Rate
Determine the plant growth rate. Plants require nutrients according to their growth rate, i.e., a high growth rate requires more nutrients and vice versa.
Deficiency Signs
Sometimes, plants show nutrient deficiency signs. Like the yellow leaf indicates Nitrogen deficiency, a weak stem indicates Potassium deficiency, and Iron deficiency causes stunted roots.

System Factors

Consideration of system factors is also vital for calculating the fertilization requirements. Here are some crucial system factors.
Light Intensity
Higher light intensity, i.e., ≥0.5 watts/L results in a higher growth rate. Higher growth is only possible with high nutrient dosage.
CO2 Supply
CO2 supply affects the plant growth rate, i.e., regular CO2 supply increases the growth rate. Apply the micro and macronutrients that match CO2 dosage to maintain the optimal growth rate.
Water Volume
The volume of water in a tank is directly proportional to the amount of fertilization.
Water Change
Fertilization also varies according to the amount of water change. You need to be consistent according to the water change. Some tanks require weekly higher water changes. So, you need to maintain the nutrient level according to it.

Type of Fertilization

Nutrient or fertilizer calculation is also dependent on the type of fertilization. Usually, there are three types.

• Liquid fertilizer
• Substrate or root tab fertilizers
• Micronutrients

Dosage Calculation

Usually, macronutrient calculation is crucial. Maintain a balance N: P: K ratio. For fast-growing plants, it is 10:2:5. Meanwhile, the Redfield Ratio addresses the C: N: P ratio. It is 106:16:1.

aquarium plant nutrients

Fertilizer Dosing Guide for Aquarium Plants

Precise dosing to your aquatic plants will boost and optimize the growth of your plants. You can achieve it with the help of an automated fertilizer dosing pump. hygger dosing pump is an example of such a pump. Here is a step-by-step guide for setting and optimal usage.

Unboxing

It includes the following items.

• 1x Auto Dosing Pump
• 8x Dosing Pump Tubing
• 1x Dosing Pump Holder
• 1x User Manual

Setup

Here is a step-by-step procedure.
Pump Positioning
Place the pump away from the moisture. Moreover, place it on a hard, level, and sturdy surface.
Tubing Connection
Attach the tubes with pump heads according to the manual. Place the inlet hose into the nutrient solution tank and the outlet hose into the planted aquarium.
Power Connection
Connect the power adapter to the dosing pump and plug it into an electric switch.

Calibration

Calibration is required for optimal dosage. Here is a calibration method.
Open Calibration Mode

• Open the main interface.
• Press the “↑” or “↓” button to enter the Flow Calibration mode.
• Select the desired pump by pressing “→” (shift right) or “←” (shift left).
• Press “ENT” to confirm your selection.

Preparation for Calibraiton

• Place the outlet hose of the selected pump into a measuring cylinder (preferably larger than 100ml).
• Ensure the inlet hose is submerged in the nutrient solution.

Calibration

• Press “↑” to start the pump. The display will begin counting from 0.
• Once the measuring cylinder contains exactly 100 ml, press “↑” again to stop the pump.
• The display will show a numerical value corresponding to the calibration.
• Press “ENT” to save this value and return to the pump selection screen.

Programming for Dose Scheduling

Time Setting

• From the main interface, press “ENT” to enter the settings menu.
• Use the “↑” or “↓” buttons to select “Set Clock” and press “ENT.”
• Adjust the hours and minutes using the “↑” and “↓” buttons.
• Press “ENT” to save the current time settings.

Pump Selection

• Go into the settings.
• Choose “Set Program” and press “ENT.”
• Use the “-” button to select the desired pump, i.e., 1-4 for the main unit; 5-8 if an additional unit is connected
• Press “ENT” to confirm.

Setting Dosing Frequency

• Define the interval, in days, between dosing sessions (0-30 days).
• An interval of 0 means the pump will dose daily.
• Press “ENT” to proceed.

Setting Dosing Volume

• Specify the volume to be dosed per session (1-9999ml).
• Press the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the volume.
• Press “ENT” to continue.

Setting Dose Timing

• Set the exact time for each dosing session.
• Navigate between hours and minutes using the “→” and “←” buttons.
• Adjust values with the “↑” and “↓” buttons.
• Press “ENT” to save each setting.

Setting Other Pump

• Press “ESC” to return to the pump selection menu.
• Repeat the above steps for any additional pumps as needed.

Manual Operation and Testing

• To test a pump manually, navigate to the main interface.
• Press and hold the “ENT” button while pressing the “→” or “←” button to activate manual mode.
• This allows you to verify the pump’s functionality and ensure proper flow before initiating automated dosing.

Tips

Here are a few tips for enhanced and optimal performance of the tank.

• Regularly test the tank water parameter once every two weeks.
• Frequently clean the outlet to avoid crystallization.
• Place the pump in a dry and damp-free environment.

Aquarium Plants Nutrients and Fertilizer Listing

Macronutrients

Secondary Nutrients

Micronutrients

Fertilizers

Rounding Out the Discussion

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, secondary, and micronutrients for aquarium plants optimize growth. Over or under-dosage of these nutrients leads to algae bloom, fish death, and many other problems. Calculate the fertilizer dosage. Use the hygger 932 Aquarium Dosing Pump to automate the procedure. Calibrate and operate the pump for optimal dosing for the planted tank.

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