Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for aquarium plants. It is the member of the NPK group (Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus) which are the most important nutrients for aquatic plants. Plants need them in a huge amount regularly. So, often a shortage of potassium occurs in the aquarium. That’s when additional potassium has to be supplemented. Aquatic plants absorb potassium in the form of potassium cation K+ .
Potassium deficiency can be one of the most depressing problems in a planted tank. Water doesn’t usually contain it that much, so additional supplement is often required. Usually water doesn’t contain potassium more than 2 parts per million (ppm). Hobbyist often uses Potassium Sulfate aka K2SO4 to their aquarium to supplement potassium. The ideal potassium level in a planted tank should be between 10 to 50 ppm. Weekly 20 ppm of potassium for high light tank and 10 ppm of potassium for low light tank should be added.
Symptoms of Potassium deficiency:
=>small necroses are visible on the older leaves of the plant. They start as a small black spot on the
leaves. But eventually they get bigger and often have a yellowish border around them.
=>New leaves become smaller in size and surface.
=>the older leaves may become yellow even before they die. The veins can turn to yellow too.
How to resolve this issue?
Additional potassium has to be supplemented in the aquarium to fight potassium deficiency. Some kinds of potassium are contained in fertilizers such as Monopotassium Phosphate(KH2PO4) , Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) . But it is recommended to add some extra potassium using Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4).
Suppose, a 25 gallon tank needs a half teaspoon of Potassium Nitrate and same amount of Potassium Sulfate weekly.
If all of these seem too much complex to you, you can easily use Seachem Flourish Iron. It is a great product for supplementing additional potassium in your aquarium. Click here to get it at a discounted price.
Comment below of you have any questions !
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