Aquarium in chennai

Aquarium Professionals  have created some of the most stylish and outstanding custom bespoke built aquariums and fish tanks in the Chennai, working to the exacting standards of architects, designers and professionals. We draw on over 8 years of expertise in designing and installing aquariums, with over 500 custom aquarium installations under our supervision and an exclusive client list, we are the Indias  leading experts in aquarium design.

We design and construct aquarium of all sizes, from large commercial developments to small domestic aquariums and ponds. Private homes to international headquarters and each solution is completed to the highest professional standard.

All about plant nutrients

There are 13 mineral nutrients needed for plants to grow. The mineral nutrients are divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. You also sometimes see these nutrients divided as primary and secondary nutrients.

Macronutrients are so named because plants use quite a lot of them. The macronutrients are: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Most of these nutrients must usually be added to the aquarium water because plants use so much of them for growth. Some (like magnesium, sulfur and calcium) are usually present in large amounts in hard water. If you live in a soft water area, you may need to add magnesium, sulfur and calcium to increase the hardness levels of the water and provide these essential nutrients to the plants.

Micronutrients are so named because, while necessary for growth, plants usually require only small amounts of them. The micronutrients are: boron (B), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn).

There are also three non-mineral nutrients required by plants. These are hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and carbon (C).

While some of these nutrients may be present in tapwater, not all are present. Indeed, some municipalities reduce or remove important nutrients at the water processing plant. As an example, most municipal water supplies are very deficient in iron. Soft water areas are deficient in calcium, magnesium and sulfur.

Let's briefly discuss these nutrients and their roles in plant growth.

Nitrogen (N): An essential part of all living cells. Must be present for protein synthesis. Nitrogen is an important part of chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants). Nitrogen is usually provided to plants in the form of nitrate, and is usually deficient in tapwater, where it is considered a contaminant. Aquarium plants require about 5-10 ppm nitrate for adequate growth.

Phosphorus (P): helps convert light into sugars that the plants use to feed, and is an essential component of photosynthesis. Excess phosphorus without adequate light levels can contribute to algae growth. Usually present in adequate amounts in tapwater, and by the addition of fish food to the tank.

Potassium (K): plants require huge amounts of potassium for growth. Important in protein synthesis, and helps plants to metabolize iron. Usually deficient in aquariums. Ideal level varies, but is around 5-10 ppm.

Calcium (Ca): a component of cell wall structure. Helps provide strength to the plant, and helps transport other nutrients throughout the plant. Usually present in adequate quantities in most municipal water areas, where it is responsible for "hard" water.

Magnesium (Mg): A component of chlorophyll. Essential to the transport of iron in the plant. May be present in adequate quantities in hard water areas; is probably deficient in softer water areas.

Sulfur (S): Helps in chlorophyll production. Essential for healthy root growth. Stimulates rapid plant growth. Usually deficient in all but the hardest water areas.

Boron (B): Essential for the regulation of other nutrients. Helps the plant produce sugars and starches. Very small amounts required.

Copper (Cu): Essential for the plant to reproduce. Helps stimulate the production of proteins.

Chloride (Cl): Plays a role in plant metabolization of other nutrients. Usually present in chlorinated water (dechlorinators convert Chlorine into a salt of chloride). May be deficient in well water or deionized water.

Iron (Fe): absolutely essential for plant growth, and usually deficient in all municipal water. Must be present for the manufacture of chlorophyll. Without adequate iron (about 0.1 to 0.5 ppm), plants will yellow and fail to produce dark green growth.

Manganese (Mn): important nutrient that helps the plant digest starches and nitrogen, thus helps the plant to use other minerals. A deficiency may actually show up as a deficiency in one of the other nutrients, such as iron (yellowing leaves).

Molybdenum (Mo): assists the plant to metabolize nitrogen. Very tiny amounts required to maintain plant health.

Zinc (Zn): Essential for carbohydrate metabolization. Helps regulate plant growth.

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Is Emersed growth plant or submersed growth plants are best

If we have to choose either one of them, we recommend you to purchase the
plant in emersed form and grow it in the aquarium to develop submersed leaves,
since it is easier for the plant to adapt to the aquarium environment and
therefore the risk of unsuccessful growth is minimized.

In general, submersed leaves can easily get damaged during transportation and
they may often be unable to adapt to the changing environment.  The submersed
leaves grown from a plant in emersed form usually grow vigorously because of
the plant's nature to keep up with the sudden change in environment.
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Furthermore, the chance of having the trouble of a melted bottom stem is lower
in the emersed form of stemmed plants.  When you use imported aquatic plants
sold in emersed form, you have to be careful of residual pesticide.
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How to grow Aquarium Moss

Nutrient-enriched water is suspected if the willow moss turns blackish, or
brown-colored rhizoids are growing.  One cause of these problems is worsened
water contamination due to the deterioration of water quality caused by
overfeeding or insufficient filtration capacity.  Besides this, a rise in water
temperature can also be one of the causes.All aquatic moss which prefers a clean stream.  Its appearance will thus be better if it is grown in
low-temperature water with low nutrient content.  Some measures to improve such
problems are to cut off all the blackened willow moss; change the aquarium water
more frequently to lower the nutrient content of the water, and absorb and get
rid of excessive nutrients by using Activated Carbon with its high absorption capacity as the filter media. Then, wait for new leaves
to develop.

Planted aquarium in chennai

Evolution of planted aquarium in chennai: https://youtu.be/hBLRnvWixIE

Guide for aquarium plant fertilizer

The composition of nutrients is conveniently divided into macro and micro nutrients. Macro nutrients are needed in larger quantities while micro nutrients are sufficient in smaller quantities.

Macro nutrients are calcium, sulfates, phosphates, potassium, chloride, sodium, nitrogen and magnesium. These nutrients are provided by fish and fish food in ample supply. Macro nutrients do not need to be added frequently, if at all, as they will be mostly replenished through water changes.

Essential micro nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, cobalt, and molybdenum on the other hand have to be added frequently. The main function of these nutrients is the promotion of growth hormones, photosynthesis, cell development, plant metabolism, and nitrogen assimilation.

The assumption that plants take on most nutrients through their leaves is incorrect. Leafs absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Essential nutrients such as iron, phosphates and nitrogen are readily absorbed by the roots under anoxic conditions found in the substrate.

Plant fertilizers are available as liquid or substrate fertilizers. Both should only contain the micro nutrients. Liquid fertilizers have to be dosed more frequently; substrate fertilizers will last longer. Since there are no obvious differences in efficiency, it is up to the aquarists’ preference which to use.

Next to the micro nutrients, fertilizers contain chelating agents. Chelation is an organic molecule which binds metal ions thus protecting them from early precipitation. The preferred type is abbreviated DTPA because of its stability up to a pH level of 7.5

Unfortunately some fertilizers contain the chelating agent EDTA, which is much cheaper. However chelate EDTA is only stable at a pH up to 6.0 and therefore mostly useless in aquariums.

Another important yet often overlooked aspect in using fertilizers is water conditioners. Many conditioners eliminate heavy metals and since many micro nutrients are metals, plants can be deprived of essential nutrients despite the frequent addition. Fertilizers can be made at home or bought commercially. The home version is known as ‘poor man’s dupla drops’ (PMDD)* relying on the following ingredients

2 Teaspoons potassium sulfate
1 Teaspoon potassium nitrate
2.5 Tablespoon magnesium sulfate
1 Tablespoon chelated trace elements mix

The trace element mix should preferably contain DTPA chelated Fe (7%) B (1.3%) Mn (2%) Mo (0.06% Zn (0.4%) Cu (0.1%)**

Mixed with 1.5 cups of distilled water, the mixture can be stored in the refrigerator.

The required dosage varies depending on plant quantity, growth levels and aquarium size. The correct amount has to be determined by trial and error i.e. starting with a few drops per 40 LITRE while monitoring the iron and nitrate concentration. Iron should be around 0.1 ppm; lower levels also indicate the depletion of the other trace elements. Nitrates should be kept around 5 ppm. Nutrient deficiencies are described in detail in our plant health guide.

Adding fertilizers to promote aquatic plant growth should only be considered in medium to heavily planted aquariums. A few plants should do fine without.

* Ingredients can be obtained at OUR GALLERY
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#The above is the basic fertilisation methods, in future blog we will discuss about Estimated index methods of dosing