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
www.aquariumprofessionals.in

#The above is the basic fertilisation methods, in future blog we will discuss about Estimated index methods of dosing

THE GENERAL CARE FOR PLANTED AQUARIUM

Planted aquarium general maintenance
1) Changing approx. 25% of the water every week prevents the accumulation of hazardous substances in the aquarium and limits the algae growth.

2) Waste products in the form of dead plant matter etc. should be removed as soon as possible. Their breakdown uses oxygen and produces nutrients that destroys the balance and promotes algae growth.

3) Check the aquarium equipment regularly in order to make sure that any faults and defects will be rectified and that a stable environment will be maintained.

4) The plant growth is now in full swing and a liquid fertiliser has to be added. Start carefully and with a dose smaller than the recommended. Increase the dose gradually according to the plants' reaction to the fertiliser. A good rule of thumb is that leaves or plants become lighter/transparent when they lack fertiliser.

5) Check for algae on a regular basis. The first sign is unclear water, accumulations on the glass, leaves or decorative materials, or possibly fine threads. If the algae become visible, it will be much more difficult to suppress them! Algae are reduced by changing the water, reducing the amount of fertiliser, introducing more fast-growing plants and algae-eaters.

Aquarium Professionals help you aquarium maintenance in chennai

For 5+ years we have specialized in aquarium maintenance.  We are experts and will maintain  your fish & aquarium with great care. We provide Aquarium Maintenance for freshwater or salt water tanks in homes or business with affordable price . We provide aquarium cleaning, aquarium maintenance and aquarium installation using our own fleet of vehicles to most places  in Chennai

Freshwater Aquarium & Marine Aquarium Cleaning andMaintenance Programs Includes:
Weekly, bi-monthly, & monthly cleaning /maintenance for your  residence & businesses with flexible contracts.
Aquarium cleaning and maintenance service includes a health check on all tank fish, all necessary water tests and water changes, tank cleaning inside & out, complete filter cleaning  changing.

Planted aquarium professionals

Hi to all we aquarium professionals provide you aquarium maintenance service and planted aquarium settings in and around chennai, having just anaquarium without any decor will not be a best showcase to your home or office premises,  we make your ordinary aquarium in to a natural scenary, wild forest theme with natural plants,  we have a speacial gallery and learning center to know what is planted aquarium. We also guide you in setting up planted aquarium by yourself. As DIY.
You might think having a planted aquarium is little expensive, thats not true, we provide you nano planted aquariums which are worth it and will not burn your pocket. The pics we have provided here are all made by us at our client places. Please come and visit our gallery to know about planted aquarium. Its pleasure to say we have tie up with major aquatic plants farms India and abroad. Call us to know more about planted aquarium and for aquarium maintenance

Why planted aquarium

Aquarium Professionals specialize in aquarium plants and aquascaping products. We stock a wide range of high quality aquatic plants that are sourced from superb  producers. We're confident you'll be impressed with the quality of our plants. So much that we guarantee your plants to arrive fresh and healthy, or your money back. What you see in our pictures is what you can expect to receive.​

We hold our plants in a very similar way to our producers, ensuring a your receive high quality product every time.

We pride ourselves on our customer service and value your custom. Our aim is to provide a service second to none so that we can look forward to repeat business.

✔ Algae free Plants - we hold our plants emersed so theres no worry of algae!​

✔ Shrimp Friendly - no pesticides/chemicals have been used at any point making them safe for shrimp.

✔ Highe Quality - All our plants come from top quality  producers so you know you're getting the best! Because we hold them just like our producers do, the quality is superb. All plants are fully rooted which helps them get of to a better start in your aquarium.

✔ Expert Advise - If you have any questions about our plants or planted aquariums, do not hesitate to contact us. We are planted aquarium enthusiasts and happy to help.

All kind of aquarium designing in chennai

AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE SERVICE in chennai TO PRESERVE AN AQUARIUM HEALTHY.
Planted aquariums,  marine aquarium,  all types of aquarium Chennai
Our dedicated team offers professional, ongoing maintenance service of the highest standard.

In order to develop any tank perfectly, it must be delicately nurtured and patiently matured. Good aquarium maintenance will result in a healthy aquatic environment. Our team is dedicated to overseeing this ongoing process.

The service allows clients to enjoy the outstanding beauty of an aquarium regardless of their busy lifestyle. Our aquarium cleaning service is tailor-made to individual clients, ensuring a continually flourishing aquarium.

During the visits our specialists will evaluate the  overall condition and appearance of the fish and other aquatic inhabitants and will perform different tests to ensure the tank’s stability. Water changes and gravel vacuuming are performed to keep a healthy environment along with the maintenance of the equipment.

THIS INCLUDES:

A bespoke fish tank cleaning service with 24hr emergency call out
Livestock and dry goods supply
Complete redesign and aquascaping of existing aquaria
On and off-site computer monitoring of water parameters
Aquarium removal services
Training and education on fish tank maintenance
Please see below for an insight into our packages.
Clean all interior and exterior surfaces and accessories (glass/acrylic, trim/woodwork, lids, feeders etc).

Hydro vac gravel/substrate, 15% minimum water change, 30% average.

Check/replace chemical filtration media.

Check and clean additional equipment such as UV sterilisers, protein skimmers etc.

Replace broken or worn parts.

Check water quality.

Clean/exchange rocks, plants, coral etc.

Visual health and stock check.

Aquarium Professionals maintenance in cover the whole of the Chennai and Tamilnadu

Aquarium Experts has many years of experience
WHAT WE DO
Maintenance of visual presentation of aquarium(s)
On each visit the aquarium will receive a full clean to remove all marks, debris, and algae from inside including a full vacuuming of the gravel.

Servicing of Filtration, lighting and heating systems
To ensure the smooth running, all the equipment associated with aquariums will be serviced and cleaned on each visit. Also all settings and the functioning of the equipment are checked before leaving.

Monitoring and partial water changing
Toxins and filter by-products build up in the water within the aquarium. During each visit a water change will be carried out to dilute these levels and introduce fresh water plus nutrients.

Guarantee and replacement service for equipment, accessories, and livestock
Any deceased livestock that is removed will be replaced on the next visit free of charge! We may also remove any unhealthy livestock if necessary. The only other time we remove livestock from the aquarium is if they grow too large for their environment. In which case smaller specimens will be introduced in their place. We also guarantee to replace any faulty equipment associated with the aquarium that we installe

Administration of all medications and treatments
Any livestock requiring medication will be treated and monitored. For more serious conditions livestock will be removed from the aquarium for more intensive treatment and replaced free of charge.

Ongoing supply of fish food
Where required and where compatible, aquariums are supplied with automatic feeders and are refilled every month to ensure livestock are well fed. Where it is not possible to install these feeders or where they are not required, daily food portions will be provided.
Our aim is to take care of all the unpleasant jobs around keeping an aquarium and just allow you to sit back and enjoy the aquarium.

We take care of all the water changes, water tests, algae cleaning and keep the aquascape looking nice and presentable. We offer service as a once off offering, or on an ongoing agreement to keep the aquarium or fish tank maintained.

We also can be called on for emergency callouts in the event of an issue with your aquarium.