Fertilizers in the Nature AquariumAuthor: Takashi Amano In the
Nature Aquarium, many types of aquatic plants are used to create
a layout. Each type of aquatic plant has its own characteristic
mode of life, and the way that it grows and takes up nutrients
is different from the others. For example, some plants such as
those in the genus Cryptocoryne actively absorb nutrients from
the roots, while some plants such as Riccia and stem plants
absorb them from the surface of their leaves. The ability of the
latter to absorb nutrients through the leaf surface is much more
developed than that of terrestrial plants. This is a very
effective means of obtaining nutrients for many aquatic plants
in the submersed state, with leaves that grow underwater. Taking
this into account, proper liquid fertilizers are added to
aquariums in the Nature Aquarium style. Before going into the
specific method of adding nutrients, let’s think about what
substances are needed for aquatic plants to grow. First, carbon,
which is essential for