Josh's Frogs
Aquarium plant supplements
Aquatic plants need nutrients to thrive and to grow just like all other living organisms. Nitrogen or phosphorous are used by plants, as well as potassium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals. While fish waste and uneaten food will provide some of the plants' nutritional needs, supplements will need to be added for prime growth and health of aquarium plants.
Plants will take nutrients through their roots, through their leaves, and sometimes both, so a variety of products are available to assist with different types of absorption.
When trying decide on fertilization, substrate, and supplements for planted aquariums, it may be difficult to know which products or combination of products may be best for your tank. Listed below is a breakdown of what is offered here at Josh's Frogs by company and product, with a short description of each.
While there are plenty of choicess, this rundown will hopefully make it a little easier to decide where to begin when looking at available aquarium plant health products. Let's get started!
Seachem Brand
Descriptions of the following products are taken from the Seachem website http://www.seachem.com/. For more in-depth information than what is explained here, please visit their website.
Flourish - is a comprehensive plant supplement for the natural freshwater aquarium. It contains a rich assortment of important micro elements, trace elements, and other nutrients that have been shown to be beneficial to aquatic plants. Flourish is safe for inverts such as shrimp.
Flourish Excel - is a source of bioavailable organic carbon. All plants require a source of carbon.
Flourish Advance - is an all-natural, biologic growth enhancer for aquatic plants. Its advanced formula contains phytohormones, minerals, and nutrients that dramatically stimulate the growth of both roots and shoots in aquatic plants.
Flourish Trace - supplies a broad range of trace elements demonstrated to be necessary for proper plant health and growth. Seachem recommends starting with Flourish and/or Flourish Tabs. Trace is also safe for inverts.
Equilibrium - is specifically designed to establish the ideal mineral content for the planted aquarium. Equilibrium is ideally suited for use with RO (reverse osmosis) or DI (deionized) water or any mineral deficient water.
Flourite - offers a variety of options, including Flourite Sand, Flourite Black, Flourite Red, Flourite Dark, and more. All of these items are a specially fracted stable porous clay gravel for the natural planted aquarium; they are not chemically coated or treated and will not alter the pH of the water. All of these products are good for the life of the aquarium and do not need to be replaced.
The three main macronutrients required by plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which is generally referred to as NPK in the aquatic plant industry. For this reason, Seachem also manufactures Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Phosphorus, and Flourish Potassium.
Aqueon Brand
Aquarium Plant Food - provides essential macro and micro nutrients for lush freshwater plant growth.
Featured highlights:
- nutrients for freshwater plants
- contains kelp extract
- encourages root development
- convenient dosage cap is included.
http://www.aqueon.com/products/water-care/plant-foods
Fluval Brand
Plant Micro Nutrients - provides essential micronutrients for aquatic plants, and is enriched with iron and fortified with an effective source of vitamin B. This product promotes vigourous growth, colors, and vibrancy.
Plant and Shrimp Stratum - encourages strong plant growth by allowing roots to spread throughout the substrate so they can obtain key nutrients. The substrate will not discolor the water and helps control organic discoloration when natural driftwood is present in the aquarium. It also provides a refuge for newborn shrimp until they are large enough to emerge.
API Brand
Root Tabs - are formulated to supply key nutrients to help new aquatic plants grow and keep established plants flourishing. These nutrients are consumed over time in the aquarium, and must be replenished for plants to thrive. These tabs may be used in conjuction with a liquid fertilizer for optimal aquatic plant growth.
CO2 Booster - supplies simple carbon compounds and slowly releases CO2 to aquarium plants; will not alter pH.
Leaf Zone - formulated for rapid absorption through plant leaves and works to promote aquarium plant growth. Leaf Zone contains iron and potassium for colorful leaves and a vibrant planted aquarium.
Sera Brand
Florena - basic aquarium plant liquid care with minerals and trace elements
Florenette - aquatic plant care with nutrient depot for root fertilization
Flore 1 Carbo - provides additional carbon for optimal growth
Flore 2 Ferro - provides additional iron for plants with high consumption
Flore 3 Vital - provides essential micro nutrients, trace elements, and vitamins for strengthening disease resistance
Flore 4 Plant - provides a main suppl of NPK and is ideal for planted aquariums with few animals
More advanced planted tank hobbyists will often begin to use CO2 injection systems in their tanks, and we also sell systems and supplies for these types of setups.
Keeping a planted aquarium can be an enjoyable pursuit; there are a large number or products available to help hobbyists succeed with their aquatic plants!