Feeding and Maintaining
Freshwater Aquarium Plants
Some basic measures should be performed regularly to keep
your planted aquarium healthy and nice looking.
Plants that are healthy actually help keep the aquarium
water filtered. They can culturally help create the correct aquarium conditions
needed for maintaining healthy plant and fish populations.
Feeding Needs:
 
Feeding plants is the same thing as fertilizing their environment
with nutrients so that they can undergo photosynthesis and provide themselves
with food and energy. Nutrients should be present in both the substrate
and the water to assure the plants are getting the proper amounts.
Many nutrients are already present in a normal well-maintained
aquatic environment, and so only some nutrients must be provided regularly.
Macro nutrients that are usually present include oxygen, hydrogen, calcium
and nitrogen.
Nutrients that generally need to be provided are magnesium,
sulphur, potassium, carbon, and phosphorus. Micro nutrients are usually
provided through liquid fertilizers and also in tap water that is used
in changing the water.
Fertilizing methods:
There are different ways of fertilizing your aquarium depending on the
type of water, the type of plants, and what nutrients are needed.
 
Uneaten Fish food (use
sparingly): One subtle way of fertilizing that occurs
is through small amounts of uneaten fish food and from fish excretions.
These contain nutrients needed for plants, such as phosphate and potassium.
However this should not be the primary method for fertilizing, be sure
not to overfeed as it will cause excessive amounts of rotting debris
Substrates:
Nutrient rich substrates, soil-based substrates, or nutrient-rich substrate
additives are a great way to ensure that there are enough nutrients present. One commonly used soil additive is pure laterite , which can be placed in balls near the plant root.
Liquid fertilizers: Liquid fertilizers are also often used to supply small amounts of some
nutrients, but they should be used regularly (usually with every water
change) and should be used with caution because you do not want to over-fertilize. A good example of a liquid fertilizer is Leaf Zone from Drs. Foster and Smith.
Tablet fertilizers: Slow-release fertilizers (tablet fertilizers) can also be used. These
can be used to provide an additional source of nutrients and should not
be used as the primary source of nutrients. They are placed on the bottom
of the aquarium and must be replaced whenever they are used up. Aquatic Plant Food Tablets are a good example.
Carbon dioxide fertilization: Carbon dioxide fertilization is practically essential. Carbon dioxide
is one of the major nutrients that plants need for photosynthesis and
therefore to continually grow and stay healthy. Although carbon dioxide
is released from the fish and from the substrate, it is not usually enough
to maintain plants. Different carbon dioxide fertilizers
that are available include tablets that slowly dissolve, cylinders that
are connected to timers and release small amounts of carbon dioxide at
regular intervals, and slow-release chemical reactors. Examples and prices of these systems can be seen here:
Maintenance:
Visual checks: Things to do on a regular basis include checking how healthy the plants
and fish appear, checking to make sure everything in the aquarium is
working properly (i.e. lights, filters), checking the temperature, and
feeding the fish and plants.
Algae & debris removal: Removing algae once a week is a good idea, since algae can "take
over" the plants, basically covering them and killing them, and
it also can release toxins that are damaging to both plants and fish.
Remove any dead plant leaves and brush off any debris that may collect
on the plants.
Water changes: Also change one-fifth to one-third of the water at least twice a month
(changes are required more often the more fish you have) and siphoning
debris from the bottom is recommended.
Water testing: Testing
the water for nitrates, pH and water hardness should be done about once
a week.
Maintenance over time: Over time, the substrate may become too polluted and need
a thorough siphoning. Things such as carbon dioxide
suppliers, pumps, filters, and heaters will need to be replaced periodically. Lights
should be changed at least every 6 to 12 months because they will lose intensity
after a while. Also check for old or dying plants and remove and replace
them so that they do not rot and cause debris.
Back to "About Aquarium Plants"
Author: Jasmine Brough.
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