Q & A: Aquatic Plants
Q1: | What are micro-nutrients and macro-elements? |
A1: | Micro-nutrients, also known as trace elements, consist of:
· boron (B), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) The primary macronutrients are: · nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) Macro-elements are secondary macronutrients consist of: · potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S)
|
Q2: | What are the acceptable nutrient values in a planted aquarium? |
A2: | Generally, maintain the values of the followings:
· Hydrogen ion (pH): 7.0 @ 22°C -25°C · Carbonate hardness (kH): between 4°kH and 15°kH · General hardness (gH): between 8°gH and 20°gH · Nitrate (NO₃): below 30 mg/l · Phosphate (PO₄): below 0.1 mg/l · Iron (Fe): between 0.1 mg/l and 0.2 mg/l · Potassium (K): between 5 mg/l and 10 mg/l · Magnesium (Mg) between 5 mg/l and 50 mg/l · Calcium (Ca): between 20 mg/l and 30 mg/l · Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): between 20 mg/l and 25 mg/l
TIP! Determine the aquarium water values of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium by means of a reliable test kit or checker. Adjust the desired value of individual nutrient accordingly. An array of individual nutrient is available for adjustment and/or amendment. Notes: 1. Differing plant species and/or types possess varying nutrient requirement value. Acquaint the plants with their respective nutrient requirements. 2. Advitan Micro Lush 1 and Advitan Macro Lush 2 contain all the necessary micro nutrients or trace elements in proper proportions.
|
Q3: | What are the conditions for maintaining aquatic plants? |
A3: | In planted aquariums with or without fish:
· Setting up the aquarium with proper type of gravel substrate and/or growing media. · Provide adequate and proper type of lighting. · Provide proper aquarium biological filter, maintaining calm water movement. · Performing regular aquarium cleaning and partial water changes. · Rendering tap water safe for aquariums with chemical-free conditioner, i.e., Advitan Solution. · Regular monitoring values of essentials and non-essentials within the water parameter. · Supplement with proper plant nutrients and with proper dosage. · Selection of compatible species and/or types of aquatic plants.
In planted aquariums populated with fish: · Feeding the aquarium fish with quality food. · Keeping fish and other inhabitants compatible with aquatic plants.
|
Q4: | What are the causes in which aquatic plants are unable to thrive? |
A4: | In planted aquariums with and without fish:
· Unhygienic water condition, due to lack of regular maintenance. · Chemicals used to treat tap water for aquariums. · Improper and/or worn lighting. · Inadequate or lack of proper nutrients for the aquatic plants. · Improper and/or overdose of nutrient supplements for the aquatic plants. · Inconsistent aquarium water temperature – set too high or too low, or drastic fluctuation. · Water parameter unmonitored.
In planted aquariums populated with fish: · Incompatible fish species with types or species of plants. · Poor quality fish food and/or overfeeding causing excessive and/or undigested waste. · Fish treatment with medication.
TIP! Determine the values of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium at the water source i.e., tap water, by means of a reliable tester or checker. Adjust the desired value of individual nutrient accordingly. An array of individual nutrient is available for adjustment and/or amendment.
|