Plant Food for a Planted Tank

Micronutrients

• Micronutrients include boron, copper, molybdenum, iron, zinc, cobalt and manganese. These essential nutrients are added with frequent fertilizer applications. Your aquarium does not require large amounts of micronutrients in order to thrive.

Macronutrients

• Macronutrients include calcium, nitrogen, phosphate, chloride, sodium, sulfate, potassium and magnesium. Fish food, feces, rotting vegetation and supplemental fertilization will add these to your aquarium. A healthy aquarium will take water changes and still have decent amounts of macronutrients for plants to utilize.

Substrate

• Your aquarium's substrate can provide vital nutrients. Choosing a soil substrate topped with sand or gravel will feed plants' roots naturally. Carefully placing fertilizer tablets beneath the plants' roots will ensure proper feeding.

Other Considerations

• Without proper lighting and in some cases, CO2, your plants will not thrive. Low light plants such as Java moss and Java fern do not require much light or added CO2. Typically, high light plants benefit from added CO2, bright light and added fertilizer. Too much light and fertilizer will cause algal outbreaks. Tune your fertilizers, lighting and CO2 to the type of plants you intend to keep. Keep in mind, certain plants also require a specific water hardness. For the best results, research your plants before purchase.