Nutritive primer for aquarium plants contains a large number of useful elements that provide water for the root system of decorative herbalists, for their better growth, development and overcoming of stress during planting and launching of the aquarium.
Do you need nutrient in the aquarium?
Aquarium nutrient soil, its quality indicators and balanced elements are of great importance in the launch and life of the aquarium. On the one hand, it acts as an effective biofilter combating nitrogen compounds, on the other hand it helps the comfortable growth of certain groups of aquarium plants. Many experienced aquarists note a number of useful qualities of nutrient soil for aquarium plants, with its help:
- there is an absorption of harmful and unnecessary nutrients;
- blackening and rotting of roots is excluded;
- plants get the microelements necessary for growth and development;
- The minerals that make up the water are balanced and do not affect the pH level.
Which primer is best for aquarium plants?
Thinking about what kind of soil is needed for aquarium plants, proceed from what kinds of living organisms you plan to use, what will be their quantity, the qualitative composition of the substrate must meet the requirements for their content. For a rational choice of soil for your aquarium, you need to think in advance not only about the species of fish and vegetation, but also about the overall design, there are several general rules that need to be considered:
- for plants with underdeveloped root system, a soil with a fine-grained structure is needed;
- A strong root system requires a coarse or medium-grained fraction;
- The optimum thickness of soil suitable for most plants is 5-7 cm;
- an important factor is soil nutrition, choose more enriched with microelements;
- The best soils are natural, natural.
The thickness of the nutrient in the aquarium
Soil for aquarium plants is important as a source of nutrition for the root system and as an aerator of water , preventing the reproduction of bacteria. If the soil layer is too thin, less than three centimeters, it can not prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria. In the soil, the organic material settles, so that it is not washed out of it, the thickness of the layer is desirable in 4-5 cm, such parameters are suitable for a large number of plants.
You can use the method of three-layer laying of the soil in the aquarium:
- the lower part (2-4 cm) - laterite enriched with iron or gravel, with impregnations of clay, is used to contain pellets in it with additional mineral fertilizers;
- middle layer (2 cm) - land mixed with peat and sand, it can be added balls of clay, fertilizer and food;
- the upper layer (4-5 cm) - small gravel mixed with sand, serves to cover the previous layer, which can stir up water, it is convenient to lay decorative stones or other objects that serve to decorate the aquarium design.
Running aquariums on nutrient soils
To start the aquarium determine the types of living organisms that you want to see in it, and on this basis, purchase or make a suitable nutrient soil for the inhabitants and plants of the aquarium. The procedure for self-launching the aquarium is carried out in several stages:
- After rinsing the aquarium with running water, pour the soil into it, also washed and mixed with gravel, the layer is 2-3 cm;
- Install the filter and lighting system;
- fill the aquarium warm (within +25 degrees) with water, up to half the volume. Pour neatly, without eroding the soil;
- Plant the plants by placing the tallest ones closer to the rear wall, releasing the territory for swimming fish;
- add water at room temperature to a special mark of the aquarium;
- turn on the filter and lighting ;
- populate the necessary biocultures that will establish a biological balance of water, you can add fertilizers, for better development of plant roots. For some time, monitor the normal operation of life support systems, temperature indicators and water conditions;
- when the lighting is off (to reduce stress), lower the fish into the aquarium for 5-10 minutes in the shipping bag, to equalize the temperature, then untie the package, fill it with aquarium water and release the fish;
- in the first day of stay in the aquarium do not try to feed the fish, after the stress they have experienced, they can abandon the feed, it is better to do it the next morning.
Primer for aquarium plants with their own hands
Purchased nutrient primer for aquarium plants has one positive quality - it is granular, this eliminates the appearance of turbidity, but bears additional material costs. Therefore, many beginners aquarists think about how to make nutrient soil for the aquarium on their own.
None of the known firms disclose the list of ingredients and their quantitative ratio, but the main elements used are still known. There are several required components:
- Organic. This can be, as garden soil, and manure, performing the functions of mineralization of soil and filling it with nutrients.
- Clay. It carries the accumulating load, prolongs the service life of the nutrient soil.
- Peat. Provides the right level of acidity and the best conditions for the development of plant roots.
- Microelements. It is better to use special additives that have a prolonged effect, sold in stores, are used in small quantities.
- Activated carbon. A small amount will protect against toxins from rotting.
- Sand. Increases volume.