Aquarium Plant Deficiencies - Under Construction
This is a reference guide only and does not reflect the ultimate solution to the problem.
Nutrient deficiencies can be detected by observing the plants and their symptoms, when a plant has used up the nutrient reserves the leaves or stems change and cause bad growth or a change of colour.
Here are some examples and solutions that may help you solve the growth problems.
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide
Type: Gas or Liquid Description: Most deficiencies are caused by the lack of Co2, once your co2 is at least 30ppm you can move onto nutrient dificiences. Optimal Levels: 30+ppm Solution: In case of a Co2 deficiency, you can increase the ppm by using pressurized Co2 or Liquid Carbon.
Iron - Fe
Nutrient Type: Micro Description: Leaves become brittle, slightly glass like and normally look like they are rotting. They also have a more yellow appearance. Optimal Levels: 0.5ppm Solution: In case of a Iron deficiency, you can increase the levels of available Iron (Fe). Try adding some extra CSM+B in case of a micronutrient deficiency.
Magnesium - Mg
Nutrient Type: Micro Description: Leaves become yellow similar to iron because it prevents plants from absorbing iron but with veins remaining green, they may also develop brown spots and distorted leaf growth. Optimal Levels: 5 – 10ppm Solution: In case of a magnesium deficiency, you can increase the levels of available Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4).
Calcium - Ca
Nutrient Type: Micro Description: Slightly bent or twisted leaf shapes, Leaves are often yellow on the edges. Optimal Levels: 20 – 30ppm Solution: In case of a calcium deficiency, you can increase the levels of available Calcium Nitrate (CaNO3) or Calcium Sulfate (CaSO4).
Boron - B
Nutrient Type: Micro Description: Similar to calcium deficiencies but stems can delicate and new shoots appear dead. Optimal Levels: 20 – 30ppm Solution: In case of a boron deficiency, you can increase the levels of trace elements by adding some extra CSM+B.
Lack of Light
Description: Obviously this is not a Nutrient but the lack of light can cause plants to look weak, spindly with small leaves with lower sections eventually becoming bare. Optimal Levels: 20 – 30ppm Solution: In case of a light deficiency, you can add more lighting or increase the strength of lighting by moving it closer to the water surface.
Nitrogen - N
Nutrient Type: Macro Description: Older leaves become yellow and die off. New leaves are small and crippled, Growth rate can also be very slow. Optimal Levels: 10 – 40ppm Solution: In case of a Nitrogen deficiency, you can increase the levels of available Potassium Nitrate (KNO3).
Phosphorus - P
Nutrient Type: Macro Description: Similar signs to lack of nitrogen but look out for stunted growth and darker coloration. Optimal Levels: 1 – 3ppm Solution: In case of a Phosphorus deficiency, you can increase the levels of available PO4 by using Mono Potassium Phosphate (KH2PO4).