DENNERLE Plant Care N

Aquarium plants require around 20 different nutrients for healthy growth. Nitrogen is of particular importance. Nitrogen is one of the macronutrients and is required in the largest quantity after carbon (as CO2). Alongside light and CO2, it is the most important prerequisite for balanced, healthy plant growth.

What is nitrogen needed for in the aquarium?

Plants need nitrogen to build up numerous organic compounds, especially for the synthesis of vital amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes and have central functions in plant metabolism. Nitrogen is also required for the formation of leaf green (chlorophyll). Plants can absorb nitrogen in various chemical forms, in particular as ammonium, nitrate and urea. In the aquarium, nitrogen is mainly present as nitrate. Nitrate can be stored in plant cells and transported within the plant. In normal, planted community aquariums, the addition of nitrogen is not necessary as it usually enters the aquarium via the food in sufficient or often even excessive quantities. However, the situation is different in heavily planted aquariums (e.g. aquascaping aquariums, Dutch aquariums). They have an above-average 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/liter or more)
CO2 fertilization
30 - 50 % partial water change per week
no or low fish stocking (but with shrimps)

Recognize nitrate deficiency in the aquarium

Nitrogen deficiency can quickly occur in such aquariums. In this case, the entire plant turns yellow or yellow-green. A deficiency first becomes noticeable on the older leaves. They are more yellow than the new leaves, but do not normally die. In some plants, the leaves become glassy and almost transparent or turn slightly purple. Growth is significantly slowed down. The inhibition of plant growth usually leads to algae problems.

Remedy for nitrate deficiency in the aquarium

For demanding plant aquariums, it therefore makes a lot of sense to keep an eye on the nitrate content and supplement it if necessary. Every aquarium has a specific nutrient requirement that depends on the quantity of plants, the type of plant, the animal population, feeding, water changes and the growth conditions (amount of light, lighting duration, CO2 addition, filter technology, etc.). The amount of fertilizer required should therefore be determined individually for each aquarium. If the aquarium requires all 3 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 long-term, regular use cannot lead to deficiency symptoms or harmful accumulations of individual nutrients. The biological balance of macronutrients is particularly important, i.e. the nutrients should always be present in a certain ratio to each other. Nutrient imbalances should be avoided as they usually lead to algae problems. Under certain circumstances, the aquarium may have an above-average requirement for nitrogen. There is also tap water that contains sufficient phosphate and potassium but too little nitrogen. In these cases, Dennerle Plant Care N should be used to provide the plants with a targeted supply of nitrogen. We recommend measuring the nitrate content weekly and dosing Plant Care N accordingly. Nitrate can be measured accurately and reliably using aquarium tests. Simple dip tests also offer sufficient accuracy, e.g. the Dennerle WaterTest 6in1. If you have been measuring and fertilizing regularly for several weeks, you will be able to see the level at which the measured values settle and the amount of nitrate the aquarium requires. You can then add the determined weekly dose of Plant Care N as standard and increase the measuring intervals to 2 to 4 weeks with a clear conscience. 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 the combination 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: 1 ml per 100 L gives 1 mg/L nitrate. Plant Care N can be used as a weekly or daily fertilizer.