How to Spot Nutrient Deficiencies
Carbon Dioxide
Symptoms: Plants grow more slowly and water pH begins to rise. Calcium deposits visible on the leaves.
Solution: Refertilize with Co2 and try to limit excess aeration in the tank. Regular maintenance is also important.
Calcium
Symptoms: Can be easily confused for Magnesium overdose. Yellow margins on new leaves, with deformations.
Solution: Water changes to ensure calcium supplies are renewed, some fertilizers and a calcium-rich substrate.
Iron
Symptons: Brittle yellow leaves that become glassy, rot and fall away.
Solution: Regular use of a fertilizer rich with Iron of a substrate which contains iron additives.
Magnesium
Symptoms: Leave that turn yellow with veins that stay green.
Solution: Ensure fertilizers used for the plants also contain extra compounds such as magnesium.
Nitrogen
Symptoms: Old leaves turn yellow, new leaves are small and either yellow or white.
Solution: Rarely seen in aquaria, make sure to use a substrate with all macronutrients your plants will need.
Phosphate
Symptoms: Older leaves turn yellow and fall off quickly. Looks similar to nitrogen deficiency.
Solution: A fertilizer which contains additional phosphates.
Potassium
Symptoms: Yellowing of sections of young leaves near the margin.
Solution: Regular refertilization of the water.
There are two kinds of nutrients your plants need. The first kind of nutrients are macronutrients (Potassium, Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Calcium and Magnesium) and micronutrients such as Boron, Zinc and Selenium.
To ensure you avoid developing deficiencies, or to help cure current problems, regular nutrient dosing is recommended. The more plants, or demanding your plants are, the more you’ll need.
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