Dennerle Plant Care N is a nitrogen fertiliser for demanding plant aquariums.
Plants need nitrogen to build numerous organic compounds, especially for the synthesis of vital amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes and have central functions in plant metabolism. Nitrogen is also needed for the formation of leaf green (chlorophyll). Plants can absorb nitrogen in various chemical forms, especially as ammonium, nitrate and urea. In the aquarium, nitrogen is primarily present as nitrate. Nitrate can be stored in the plant cells and transported within the plant. The addition of nitrogen is not necessary in normal, planted community aquariums, as it usually enters the aquarium in sufficient or often even too large quantities via the food.
In contrast, the situation is different for demanding plant aquariums (e.g. aquascaping aquariums, Holland aquariums). They have an above-average nutrient requirement, especially for macronutrients. This is due to the large proportion of aquatic plants and the low fish stocking in the aquarium.
In these types of aquariums, a nitrogen deficiency can quickly occur. In this case, the entire plant turns yellow or yellow-green. A deficiency first becomes apparent on the older leaves. They appear more yellow than the new ones, but do not usually die. In some plants, the leaves become glassy and almost transparent or turn slightly purple. Growth is clearly retarded. Inhibition of plant growth usually leads to algae problems.
For demanding plant aquariums, it therefore makes a lot of sense to keep an eye on the nitrate content and supplement it if necessary. Every aquarium has a specific nutrient consumption depending on the amount of plants, plant species, animal stocking, feeding, water changes and growth conditions (amount of light, lighting time, CO2 addition, filter technology, etc.). The required amount of Plant Care N fertiliser should therefore be determined individually for each aquarium.
