How to Feed Aquarium Plants

Live plants create a relaxing, natural aquarium environment for non-plant-eating fish. Nutrients in the water and the flora's ability to photosynthesize determine the feeding and health of aquarium plants. Plant production of food and energy requires carbon, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur. These elements should be in the aquarium substrate. Fish play an important role in feeding aquarium plants. Fish produce carbon dioxide gas, which is essential for photosynthesis.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium gravel
  • Base fertilizer
  • Tap water
  • Aquarium water conditioners
  • Fluorescent aquarium bulbs
  • Aquarium water dip stick tests
  • Fish
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the bottom of the aquarium with plant nutrients. Choose quartz, river sand or basalt-based gravel substrates. Place a layer of 5 mm to 10 mm diameter gravel on the bottom of a dry aquarium. Top the gravel with a layer of base fertilizer containing trace elements. Add another layer of smaller diameter gravel, such as 5 mm to 7 mm. Top with another layer of gravel in the 2 mm to 4 mm diameter range. The final depth of all gravel and fertilizer should be roughly 8 mm, or 3 inches.

    • 2

      Add tap water to the aquarium to provide natural nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates to nourish the plants. If your water is treated by a municipality, use a chlorine removing liquid or tablet additive in the aquarium water. (Well water doesn't need to be treated.) Use chemical aquarium conditioners to increase or decrease your water pH levels as needed. Create a freshwater environment with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.2.

    • 3

      Add lighting to the aquarium hood to facilitate photosynthesis. Choose a fluorescent bulb that provides 2 to 3 watts of power, or 500 to 1,500 lux, per gallon of aquarium water. Replace the bulb every six months for consistent output.

    • 4

      Test the water chemistry with aquarium dip sticks, and evaluate the levels of essential nutrients. Use water conditioning additives to help balance the aquarium water so plants can undergo photosynthesis, gain energy and receive nutrition.

    • 5

      Add fish and plants when the water is balanced. Cycling a new tank and preparing for aquarium plants and fish may take a few weeks. Add fish first. Measure the water content for carbon dioxide. The desired level is 5 to15 mg/l. Then add plants by burying the roots in the gravel substrate so they are nestled in the fertilizer layer.

    • 6

      Allow some uneaten fish food to fall through the gravel. Decomposing fish food and fish waste produce phosphate and potassium to feed aquarium plants.