The Complete Guide to Planted Aquarium Maintenance
Introduction
Maintaining a thriving planted aquarium requires balancing three key elements: water quality, nutrient supply, and lighting. This guide covers best practices for each aspect to help aquarists achieve lush aquatic plant growth while maintaining ecosystem stability.
I. Water Change Protocol
- Frequency & Volume
- Established tanks: 25-30% weekly or 50% biweekly
- New setups: 50% twice weekly for first month
- Use temperature-matched, dechlorinated water
- Proper Technique
- Vacuum substrate gently to remove debris
- Clean filter media in removed tank water
- Avoid disturbing plant roots during cleaning
- Water Parameter Monitoring
- Test pH, GH, KH weekly
- Maintain stable temperature (±1°C)
- Target nitrate <20ppm, phosphate 0.5-2ppm
II. Fertilization Strategy
- Macronutrients
- Nitrogen (NO3): 10-20ppm
- Phosphorus (PO4): 0.5-2ppm
- Potassium (K): 10-20ppm
- Micronutrients
- Iron (Fe): 0.1-0.5ppm (critical for red plants)
- Trace element mix (Mn, Zn, Cu, etc.)
- Application Methods
- Liquid fertilizers: Daily or alternate day dosing
- Root tabs: Replace every 3-6 months
- CO2 injection: Maintain 20-30ppm (with proper aeration)
III. Lighting Optimization
- Intensity Guidelines
- Low light: 15-30 PAR (mosses, anubias)
- Medium light: 30-50 PAR (most stem plants)
- High light: 50+ PAR (carpet plants, red species)
- Photoperiod Management
- 6-8 hours for high-tech tanks with CO2
- 8-10 hours for low-tech setups
- Use timer for consistent schedule
- Include 1-2 hour midday break (optional)
- Light Spectrum Selection
- 6500K white for natural appearance
- Supplemental red/blue for plant growth
- Adjustable LED systems recommended
Maintenance Schedule
Task
|
Frequency
|
Notes
|
Water change
|
Weekly
|
25-30% volume
|
Fertilization
|
Daily/Alternate
|
Adjust based on tests
|
Filter clean
|
Monthly
|
Use tank water
|
Pruning
|
Biweekly
|
Remove dead leaves
|
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Algae blooms: Reduce light duration, check nutrient balance
- Poor growth: Verify CO2 levels, increase fertilization
- Melting plants: Ensure stable parameters, check KH/GH