[fishkeeper01]

So I recently redid my 40g community tank with a nice driftwood hardscape accented my java fern and anubias nana. Well the previous times I used Java fern I always had a problem with the leaves turning yellow? Can you guys please answer these questions


1. Yellowing leaves is a sign of potassium and iron deficiency right?

2. I would like to swith to dry ferts, because this tank is larger then my planted 10g and 5g so liquid ferts would be too expensive for this large of a tank. So what dry ferts should I buy to solve my dilema in question #1?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Straight shooter]

Very basically, the nutrients plants need through fertilizer are nitrate, phosphate, potassium and traces (iron etc). To add these you will need the following:

KH2PO4 (phosphate and potassium)
KNO3 (nitrate and potassium)
CSM+B (traces/micros)

If your tapwater is soft and low in calcium or magnesium etc you may also need CaCl (calcium, chloride, one example) and MgSO4 (magnesium, sulfate, epsom salts).

It is also advised to have some bicarbonate to assist in plant growth, particularly in low tech tanks. Also necessary to prevent wild pH swings when injecting CO2. A KH of 3-6 is generally recommended for this purpose. You can use bicarb soda or place crushed coral, shell-grit etc in your filter to increase KH.

Go to Aquarium Nutrient Calculator for calculating dosages, solutions etc.

This tank won't need much fertilizer, only slow growing plants. Start conservatively with your dosing and increase slightly as needed.

 

[fishkeeper01]

Thanks!

 

[Straight shooter]

Thanks!

No problem. Should also have said: You can use shell grit, crushed coral or limestone to add calcium, magnesium and other hard water elements (S, Cl etc) while also adding bicarbonates. I find this much easier than adding powders to set GH and KH.