Nutrients

Both micro and macro nutrients are required by plants for growth. Macronutrients include
nitrates, sulfates and phosphates. The plant requires these in large quantities. If you
introduce a lot of macronutrients to your aquarium, it can lead to an undesirable 'algae
bloom'. Micronutrients are nutrients required in trace amounts. Nutrients like iron,
copper, zinc and calcium are some of these. Excessive amounts of these can prove
harmful for the plants.
Carbon Dioxide is the most important nutrient that a plant needs. Sometimes, fish alone
are not able to provide the optimum levels to support adequate plant growth. Carbon
dioxide injections for your plants are an easy but pricey way out. Carbon dioxide levels
in your water should be between 5-15 Mg/l. If you go any higher, your fish will be
harmed.
Using commercially available tablets that dissolve in water and provide a lot of nutrients
for your plants is also a good idea. Unless you feed your fish a lot, they will not provide
all the nutrients that your plants need. And even if the fish produce enough nutrients,
these are available to the algae and other microscopic organisms too. Plants can have a
hard time getting it. That is why using additives in the substrate as well as tablets in the
water really assist plant growth. When using additives, take special care that they are not
harmful for your fish.
The use of aerators is also a factor in the growth of your plants. Constantly keeping your
air pumps or bubblers on will deplete the carbon dioxide levels in your water. On the
other hand, you need the aerators to keep your water rich in oxygen. The easy way out is
to turn on the bubblers only for a few hours a day, preferably at night. This will provide
enough oxygen for your fish while not depriving your plants of the vital Carbon Dioxide.
Keep in mind that plants require oxygen too.Plants will suffer when there is a deficiency in the nutrients. A deficiency in nitrogen and
sulfur is indicated when the leaves turn yellow faster than usual. If the leaves seem to be
very brittle, you probably need more iron in your aquarium. Over fertilization may lead to
problems too. The leaves getting yellow spots can indicate an excess of iron, zinc or
copper.