DENNERLE Plant Care K & P

Phosphate macronutrient fertilizer for planted and demanding aquariums

Aquarium plants require around 20 different nutrients for healthy growth. Phosphate is particularly important and is one of the macronutrients. Alongside light and CO2, it is one of the most important prerequisites for balanced and healthy plant growth. But what is phosphate needed for in the aquarium? Plants need phosphate to build up numerous organic compounds. It plays a central role in energy metabolism (as ATP = adenosine triphosphate). It is also an essential component of cell membranes and the genetic material DNA. As phosphate is often scarce in nature, plants have developed effective methods of storing it and releasing it again when required. In normal, planted aquariums, the addition of phosphate is generally not necessary, as it enters the aquarium in sufficient or even excessive quantities via the food and excretions of the fish. However, the situation is different for sophisticated planted aquariums, such as aquascaping aquariums or Dutch aquariums. These have an increased nutrient requirement, especially for macronutrients. Such plant aquariums are characterized by dense planting (more than 70-80% of the bottom surface), many fast-growing species, lots of light (30-60 lumen/litre or more), CO2 fertilization, 30-50% partial water changes per week and no or only a small number of fish (but with shrimps).

Recognizing phosphate deficiency in the aquarium

Phosphate deficiency can quickly occur in such aquariums. The plants then stop growing. The shoots remain short, the leaves are small and often dark green. Some species can also turn purple as red leaf pigments (anthocyanins) accumulate.

Remedy for phosphate deficiency in the aquarium

For demanding plant aquariums, it therefore makes sense to keep an eye on the phosphate content and supplement it if necessary. Each aquarium has a specific nutrient requirement that depends on the quantity and type of plants, animal stocking, feeding, water changes and growth conditions (amount of light, lighting time, CO2 addition, filter technology, etc.). The amount of fertilizer required should therefore be determined individually for each aquarium. If the aquarium requires all three macronutrients N, P and K, the use of Dennerle Plant Care NPK is recommended. The nutrient ratios are selected in such a way that all macronutrients are absorbed by the plants in equal proportions. Even with long-term and regular use, there are no deficiency symptoms or harmful accumulations of individual nutrients. Biological balance is particularly important with macronutrients, i.e. the nutrients should always be present in a certain ratio to each other. Nutrient imbalances should be avoided as they often lead to algae problems. Under certain circumstances, the aquarium may have a particular need for phosphate. There is also tap water that contains sufficient nitrogen and potassium but too little phosphate. In such cases, Dennerle Plant Care P should be used to provide the plants with a targeted supply of phosphate. We recommend measuring the phosphate content regularly and dosing Plant Care P accordingly. Phosphate can be measured accurately and reliably using aquarium tests. Phosphate is absorbed very quickly by plants and can be stored well. In aquariums where there is a phosphate deficiency over a longer period of time, this means that the added phosphate initially disappears quickly from the water. After about 7-14 days of regular addition, when the plants have replenished their phosphate stores, the measurable phosphate content in the aquarium water rises again. The addition of phosphate should now be reduced accordingly. Phosphate is a real growth engine, both for aquatic plants and for algae. Phosphate can therefore be used to control both plant and algae growth. It has proven effective to use phosphate as a shock fertilizer at 0.1-0.2 mg/L. The next fertilization only takes place when the phosphate value has fallen to zero for a few days. Aquatic plants can store phosphate better than algae. This method can be used to make life difficult for unwanted algae. While the plants are supplied from their internal phosphate stores during phosphate deficiency periods and continue to grow, the algae are starved and their growth is significantly slowed down as a result. A macronutrient fertilizer must always be used in combination with a micronutrient fertilizer (complete iron fertilizer). For a complete nutrient supply and the best possible plant growth, we recommend combining it with Plant Care Pro. For magnificent plant growth and healthy fish and shrimps, we recommend a partial water change of 25% to 50% per week. This removes waste products and inhibitors and prevents nutrient imbalances.

Dosage

The fertilizer can be dosed precisely and accurately: 2 ml per 100 L results in 0.2 mg/L phosphate. The recommended concentration is in the range of 0.1-0.3 mg/L phosphate (max. 1 mg/L). Higher concentrations are rarely necessary and usually only promote algae growth unnecessarily. Plant Care P can be used as a weekly or daily fertilizer.