Dennerle Plant Care P 250ml

Phosphate Macronutrient Fertilizer for Planted and Demanding Aquariums

Aquarium plants need around 20 different nutrients to grow healthily. Phosphate is of particular importance in this context. Phosphate is one of the macronutrients. In addition to light and CO₂ it is one of the most important prerequisites for balanced, healthy plant growth.

What is phosphate needed for in the aquarium?

Plants need phosphate to build numerous organic compounds. It plays a central role in energy metabolism (as ATP = adenosine triphosphate). In addition, it is an essential component of cell membranes and DNA. Since phosphate is usually in short supply in the wild, plants have developed highly effective enrichment methods. The nutrient can be stored in the plant cells and remobilized when needed. The addition of phosphate 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 and fish excretions. 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)

Recognizing phosphate deficiency in the aquarium

These aquarium types can quickly lead to a phosphate deficiency. The plants then stop growing. The shoots remain short, the leaves are small and often turn dark green. Some species can also turn purple due to the accumulation of red leaf pigments (anthocyanins).

Remedying phosphate deficiency in the aquarium

It is therefore very useful for demanding plant aquariums to keep an eye on the phosphate content and to supplement 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. Under certain circumstances, the aquarium may have a specific need for phosphate. There is also tap water that contains enough nitrogen and potassium, but too little phosphate. In these cases, Dennerle Plant Care P should be used to supply the plants with phosphate in a targeted manner. We recommend measuring the phosphate content regularly and dosing Plant Care P accordingly. Phosphate can be measured accurately and reliably with aquarium tests. Phosphate is absorbed very quickly by the plants and can be stored well. In aquariums in which there has been a phosphate deficiency for a long 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 refilled their phosphate stores, the measurable phosphate content in the aquarium water then rises again. Phosphate is a real growth engine, both for aquatic plants and algae. Phosphate can therefore be used to control both plant growth and algae growth. For example, it has proven to be effective to use phosphate as a shock fertiliser with 0.1 – 0.2 mg/L. You only fertilize again when the phosphate content has been at zero for a few days. Aquatic plants can store phosphate better than algae. This method can be used to make life difficult for the unwanted algae. While the plants supply themselves from their internal phosphate stores in "phosphate-poor times" and continue to grow, the algae "starve" and are thus significantly slowed down in their growth. 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: 2 ml per 100 L adds 0.2 mg/L of phosphate. The recommended concentration is in the range of 0.1 – 0.3 mg/L phosphate (max. 1 mg/L). Higher levels are rarely necessary, they usually only promote algae growth unnecessarily. Plant Care P can be used as a weekly fertilizer or daily fertilizer.