Dennerle Plant Care K 250ml

Potassium macronutrient fertilizer for planted and demanding aquariums

Aquarium plants need around 20 different nutrients to grow healthily. Potassium is of particular importance. Potassium is one of the macronutrients and is needed by plants in greater quantities. In addition to the macronutrients nitrate and phosphate, as well as light and CO₂ it is the most important prerequisite for balanced, healthy plant growth.

What is potassium needed for in the aquarium?

Potassium has a variety of functions in the plant. It is present in high concentrations both in the cells themselves and in the vascular system. Potassium is an osmotically active ion, which is crucial for the build-up of root pressure and cell pressure (turgor). Furthermore, it is involved in various metabolic processes, e.g. the synthesis of sugars, starch, cellulose and lignin. Potassium can be stored in the plant cells and transported within the plant as needed, e.g. from the older to younger leaves. A certain amount of potassium is supplied by tap water. The harder the water, the more, the softer the water, the less. You can ask the local water supplier about the salary. Potassium is only introduced into the aquarium in very small quantities via food and fish excretions. Good aquarium fertilisers (micro-nutrient fertilisers / complete iron fertilisers) such as Dennerle Plant Care Pro therefore always contain an appropriate amount of potassium. For normal, planted community aquariums, this is usually sufficient. 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 potassium deficiency in the aquarium

These aquarium types can have a potassium deficiency, especially in soft water. It is mainly evident in the older leaves. If necessary, the element is transported from the older leaves via the vascular system to the younger leaves. Typical symptoms are yellowing (chlorosis), which can appear in a punctual or flat manner between the leaf nerves or at the edge of the leaf. Later, the tissue dies in a punctuate or flat form (necrosis). Some plants are particularly sensitive to low potassium levels. Well-known examples are the parrot leaf (Alternanthera) and the cognac plant (Ammania). Growth can suddenly stop and the newly formed leaves are crippled. In the Indian water friend (Hygrophila polysperma), potassium deficiency manifests itself on the older leaves in the form of small black dots (necrosis).

Remedying potassium deficiency in the aquarium

It is therefore useful for demanding plant aquariums to keep an eye on the potassium content and 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. If the tap water has too low a potassium content – which is often the case with soft water – or if the aquarium has an increased need for potassium, Dennerle Plant Care K should be used to provide the plants with a targeted supply of potassium. If you have measured and fertilized regularly for several weeks, you can see at what level the measured values level off and what potassium quantities the aquarium needs. Then you can add the determined weekly dose to Plant Care K as standard and extend 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 Dennerle 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 add 1 mg/L of potassium. The optimal potassium concentration is in the range of 10 – 20 mg/L. We recommend measuring the potassium content regularly and dosing Plant Care K accordingly. Plant Care K can be used as a weekly fertiliser or daily fertiliser.