Dennerle Plant Care N 250ml

Nitrogen macronutrient fertilizer for planted and demanding aquariums

Aquarium plants need around 20 different nutrients to grow healthily. Nitrogen is of particular importance here. Nitrogen is one of the macronutrients and is produced after carbon (as CO₂) is needed in the largest quantity. In addition to 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 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 needed for the formation of leaf green (chlorophyll). Plants can absorb nitrogen in various chemical forms, especially as ammonium, nitrate, and urea. In the aquarium, nitrogen is primarily present as nitrate. Nitrate can be stored in the plant cells and transported within the plant. The addition of nitrogen is not necessary in normal, planted community aquariums, as it usually enters the aquarium in sufficient or often even too large quantities via the food. In contrast, the situation is different for demanding plant aquariums (e.g. aquascaping aquariums, Holland aquariums). They have an above-average need for nutrients, especially when it comes to macronutrients. Such plant aquariums are characterized by

• Dense planting (more than 70 – 80 % of the soil surface)
• many fast-growing species
• Lots of light (30 – 60 lumens/litre or more)
• CO₂-Fertilization
• 30 – 50 % partial water change per week
• no or low fish stock (but with shrimps)

Detecting nitrate deficiency in the aquarium

With these aquarium types, a nitrogen deficiency can quickly occur. The entire plant turns yellow or yellow-green. A deficiency first becomes apparent on the older leaves. They appear more yellowish than the new ones, but usually do not die. In some plants, the leaves become glassy and almost transparent or turn slightly purple. Growth has slowed down significantly. Inhibition of plant growth usually leads to algae problems.

Remedying nitrate deficiency in the aquarium

For demanding plant aquariums, it is therefore very useful to keep an eye on the nitrate content and add to it if necessary. Each aquarium has a specific nutrient consumption depending on the amount of plants, plant species, animal population, feeding, water change and growing conditions (amount of light, lighting time, CO₂-Addition, filter technology, etc.). The amount of fertiliser required should therefore be determined individually for each aquarium. If the aquarium needs all 3 macronutrients N, P and K, the use of Dennerle Plant Care NPK is recommended. The nutrient ratios were chosen in such a way that all macronutrients are absorbed by the plants in equal proportions. Even with longer-term, regular use, there can be no deficits or detrimental accumulations of individual nutrients. Especially with macronutrients, the biological balance is of particular importance, i.e. the nutrients should always be in a certain proportion to each other. Nutrient imbalances must be avoided, as they usually lead to algae problems. In special circumstances, the aquarium may have an above-average need for nitrogen. There is also tap water that contains enough phosphate and potassium, but too little nitrogen. In these cases, Dennerle Plant Care N should be used to supply the plants with nitrogen in a targeted manner. We recommend measuring the nitrate content weekly and dosing Plant Care N accordingly. Nitrate can be measured accurately and reliably with aquarium tests. Even simple immersion tests offer sufficient accuracy, e.g. the Dennerle WaterTest 6in1. If you have measured and fertilized regularly for several weeks, you can see at what level the measured values level off and what nitrate quantities the aquarium needs. Then you can add the determined weekly dose of Plant Care N as standard and increase the measurement intervals to 2 to 4 weeks with a clear conscience. A macronutrient fertiliser must always be used in combination with a micronutrient fertiliser (complete iron fertiliser). For a complete supply of nutrients and the best possible plant growth, we recommend combining it with Plant Care Pro. For magnificent plant growth and healthy fish and shrimp, we recommend a partial water change of 25% to 50% per week. This removes waste and inhibitors and prevents nutrient imbalances.

Dosage

The fertiliser can be dosed precisely and precisely: 1 ml per 100 L adds 1 mg/L of nitrate. Plant Care N can be used as a weekly fertiliser or daily fertiliser.