Planted tank fertilization

A successful planted aquarium relies on a delicate balance between lighting, carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), and nutrients. If any of these are missing, plants stop growing and algae takes over.

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients

Plant nutrients are divided into two main categories:

1. Macronutrientes (NPK): Nutrients that plants consume in large quantities.
   • Nitrogen (N) (measured as Nitrate $NO_3$): Critical for leaf growth and overall size.
   • Phosphorus (P) (measured as Phosphate $PO_4$): Essential for root development and energy transport.
   • Potassium (K): Supports cellular functions, nutrient transport, and overall health.
2. Micronutrients (Traces & Iron): Minerals plants need in very small quantities.
   • Iron (Fe): Vital for chlorophyll production and bright red colors.
   • Trace Elements: Boron, Manganese, Zinc, and Copper that catalyze biological processes.

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Setup Profiles & Target Ranges

Your dosing routine depends heavily on your light and $CO_2$ setup:

• Low-Tech Setup (Low light, no $CO_2$ gas):
  • Plants grow slowly and consume fewer nutrients.
  • Targets: $NO_3$: 5–10 ppm, $PO_4$: 0.5–1.0 ppm, $Fe$: 0.05–0.1 ppm.
  • Routine: Weekly dosing of an all-in-one liquid fertilizer after your water change is usually sufficient.
• High-Tech Setup (High light, pressurized $CO_2$ gas):
  • Plants grow extremely fast, requiring regular, heavy dosing.
  • Targets: $NO_3$: 10–20 ppm, $PO_4$: 1.0–2.0 ppm, $Fe$: 0.1–0.5 ppm.
  • Routine: Daily dosing or alternate-day schedules (e.g., Estimative Index or PPS-Pro).

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Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

Use this quick-reference guide to diagnose visual plant issues:

Nutrient	Deficiency Symptoms (Deficit)	Excess Symptoms
Nitrogen ($NO_3$)	Yellowing of older leaves starting at tips; stunted growth.	Dark green leaves; thin stems; triggers hair algae.
Phosphorus ($PO_4$)	Older leaves turn dark green/purple, then drop; Green Spot Algae (GSA) grows on leaves.	Can trigger green algae blooms if Nitrates are depleted.
Potassium ($K$)	Pinholes appear in older leaves; leaf margins turn yellow.	Blocks Calcium and Magnesium absorption (leads to twisted new growth).
Iron ($Fe$)	Chlorosis: new leaves emerge pale yellow, white, or transparent while veins stay green.	Can trigger thread/hair algae outbreaks; toxic to shrimp.
$CO_2$	Slow growth; twisted leaves; Black Brush Algae (BBA) appears on hardscape/leaves.	Fish gasp at surface (danger of suffocation above 45 ppm).

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Popular Dosing Routines

1. Estimative Index (EI): You flood the water with excess nutrients so plants never run out. You perform a weekly 50% water change to reset nutrient accumulation.
   • Mon/Wed/Fri: Dose NPK (Macronutrients).
   • Tue/Thu/Sat: Dose Trace/Iron (Micronutrients).
2. PPS-Pro: You dose a small, calculated amount of nutrients daily right before the lights turn on, matching what the plants consume. This keeps parameter levels low and stable.