AQUATIC PLANT FERTILISER
preferred brands are Dupla and Azoo
also available are SeaChem, Aquasonic and Sera
Fertiliser is widely overlooked by aquarium hobbyists trying to grow plants. In the process of photosynthesis plants harness light energy and carbon dioxide to produce their primary nutrient. These sugars and carbohydrates are critical to plant development. This could be called their skeletal development or the elementary root, stem and leaf structure.
In addition to this, plant enthusiasts wish to see thick, lush, green plants. To assure that one has a healthy leaf structure free of yellowing, spots and fraying one must assure that there is a correct measure of what could be called the secondary nutrients. These are minerals, particularly iron, potassium and magnesium of which all good aquatic plant fertilisers are produced. This is as apposed to nitrogen based preparations which are suited to terrestrial plants as apposed to aquatic.
Preferably these nutrients are made available to plants in a dilution which is beneficial without being harsh. Dupla fertiliser, which is separated into tablets and liquid so that the respective minerals can be introduced in the best form possible, offers a safe daily drop method which produces excellent results.
For the fastidious hobbyist a dose pump is available which drips liquid fertiliser into the water gradually at a precisely accurate rate. Thus, plants can feed properly, not in one big fortnightly application but by absorbing minerals slowly and continuously - more like mother natures gentle method.
