For the most part, aquarium plants are pretty resilient creatures that can be given the proper care and attention they need. Unfortunately, some plants can be subject to algae control or growth that are simply beyond their control. Aquarium plants can be damaged by infestations of algae, which can take up all or part of the nutrients your aquarium needs to maintain balance. When this happens, you need to use some sort of aquarium plant fertilizer to restore the balance and make your aquarium grow stronger. Read more here.
Fertilizers can be purchased in bulk at aquarium stores, pet shops, and online retailers. They can wither, stunt, or even grow another type of algae if any of the chemicals used are missing. As such, a significant amount of aquarium fertilizer is going to provide your aquatic plants with the right nutrients they need to survive and grow.
Even though it is rarely the case, aquarium enthusiasts tend to settle for using low-grade or even inferior fertilizers, particularly when it comes to water plants. These nutrients can damage the roots as well as the health of the plant, so they do not produce the well-being and health that you want for your saltwater aquarium. Most plants will do just fine on their own without adding fertilizer, but there are certain species that benefit from extra nutrition and will reward you with lush green growth. There are many different nutrients that are beneficial to your plants as well as other marine life you have in your environment.
Low-quality aquarium supplements can contain forms of nitrogen, which is very toxic to fish and aquatic life you want to keep alive. Nitrogen is also hard on the roots as well as the other nutrients needed to sustain them, and so the process of leaf litter decomposition can cause significant harm to your aquarium's ecosystem. The best types of fertilizers will have a combination of both nitrogen and phosphate to offer an optimum blend of nutrients that will provide healthy growth for your fish and corals.
Many marine aquarium plants need phosphates, as it is the main source of nitrates. You might need to increase your aquarium water quality a little, as well, as this can make all the difference in the world. If you are using low-grade products, you might need to use a product containing copper, sulfur, and magnesium to enhance the nitrate levels. These products are often also very good at removing ammonia from the water, because ammonia is one of the main factors that kill off sensitive fish. You can use products that contain copper, sulfur, and potassium instead, for these products are more likely to create stable and consistent nitrate levels throughout your tank.
Aquatic plants usually do very well in the presence of an external aerator or light. It is not always necessary to run a full aeration system, as long as you leave enough space for the root system to spread out. However, if you have just installed a new aquarium aerator, you might want to consider including dry fertilizers. These are generally quite cost-efficient, as they tend to be available in powder form and they can be bought directly from your local aquarium supply store.
One thing to keep in mind when using dry fertilizers is that they may not be as effective if you run a regular water change. If you decide to run a water change, you should plan on taking all unused fertilizer out of the water column before you do your water change, as this will help prevent any excess nutrients from being spread into the water column when you take out the old one. Some aquarium plants actually like to absorb excess nutrients, and they will grow much better if they are regularly exposed to nutrient-rich water. This will also help them to have an easier time fighting algae overgrowth.
Some plants prefer a low-release nitrogen fertilizer, and these can often be found as a powder at your local pet supply store. Other plants need a medium-release nitrogen fertilizer, while some will need a high-release nitrogen fertilizer. For general information on which kind of fertilizers work best for your fish and plants, consult your local aquarium store owner. He or she will be able to provide you with the best aquarium plant fertilizers that are effective for the species of fish and plants that you have.