Above: when do we start adding fertiliser to a newly planted tank?
Nutrient uptake through leaves
Spraying nutrients directly onto leaves is often used to rescue terrestrial plants that have damaged root systems. It is also used in agriculture because it takes less time for nutrients to reach the top of the plant compared to root feeding, where nutrients have to be transported from the root zone to the top of the plant.
While land plants need moisture to absorb nutrients through their leaves, aquatic plants, which are submerged, can do this at any time. In scientific terms, aquatic plants have adapted to have reduced cuticle formation and often adopt more finely pinnate leaves. These underwater growth forms allow better gas exchange and also more efficient uptake of nutrients from the water column.
Above: In a newly planted tank, the plants would not have fully developed roots. Having food in the water that they can take up through their leaves will help them to adapt more quickly to the new tank.
So, contrary to popular belief, it is best to start fertilising a newly set up aquarium immediately after planting.
Will Fertilizing New Tanks Cause Algae Problems?
Follow Proper Tank Cycling: Cycle new tanks for 2 -3 weeks before planting. Adding planted tank fertilization to uncycled systems invites algae blooms.
Choose the right fertilizers: For properly cycled new tanks with aquasoil, begin with low-nitrate, low-phosphate fertilizers like APT 1 to provide moderate water column nutrition without triggering algae.
The 2HR Way:
Initial Phase:
Cycle new tanks properly for 2-3 weeks before planting
Start new planted tanks with APT 1 fertilizer containing reduced nitrates and phosphates. This approach provides sufficient nutrition for plant adaptation while staying below algae-triggering thresholds.
Maturation Transition: After approximately one month, transition to comprehensive water column dosing with APT 3 fertilizer. By this stage, total plant mass increases while fresh aquasoil nutrients become depleted.
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