DIY Aquarium Plant Food

Just like plants that grow in the ground, aquarium plant life requires nutrients. These nutrients are supplied through the use of aquatic plant food. While you can purchase aquarium plant food, you can make your own with items commonly found at a home and garden store. One common homemade plant food is called Poor Man's Dosing Drops (PMDD). According to a paper written by Paul L. Sears and Kevin C. Conlin, PMDD supplies the necessary nutrients for aquatic plants while controlling algae growth.

Things You'll Need

  • 1.5 cups distilled water
  • 2 teaspoons potassium sulfate
  • 1 teaspoon potassium nitrate
  • 2.5 tablespoons hydrated magnesium sulfate
  • 1 tablespoon chelated trace elements mix
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour 1 tablespoon of chelated trace elements mix into the distilled water. Stir or shake the container until until dissolved.

    • 2

      Add 2 teaspoons of potassium sulfate to the mixture.

    • 3

      Add 1 teaspoon of potassium of nitrate.

    • 4

      Add 2 1/2 tablespoons of hydrated magnesium sulfate.

    • 5

      Stir or shake to dissolve all the ingredients into the distilled water.

    • 6

      Add the solution to your aquarium. Start by adding just a few drops for every 10 gallons of aquarium tank capacity. Monitor the concentration of iron and nitrate in the water. The iron concentration should be about 0.1 parts per million while the nitrate level should be about 5 parts per million.