Phosphate is an essential macronutrient that all aquatic plants require to make proteins, nucleic acids (DNA) and aid in important cellular processes. It is recommended to keep phosphate between 1 and 3 ppm (mg/l) in order to provide plants with more than enough of this important nutrient. Without enough phosphate, plants may begin to show symptoms similar to a nitrogen and or iron deficiency. Leaves will yellow and eventually fall off, something that every aquarist hates to see. In this video we show you how to make your own phosphate fertilizer solution for use in your planted aquarium. Many tanks will not need any extra phosphate as it is a natural by-product of waste breakdown.

 

     However, in the heavily planted aquarium, phosphate levels may reach undetectable concentrations and should be supplemented if signs of a deficiency are observed. To learn more about aquarium plant deficiencies, check out our Guide to Aquarium Plant Deficiencies PDF where we show you how to access and solve specific nutrient limitations.