Tetra PlantaMin, 100 ml is a liquid fertiliser for plants in freshwater aquariums. According to the description, its long-acting formula keeps nutrients available to plants for 4 weeks. Iron, potassium, manganese and other trace elements support lush, healthy growth, prevent yellowing and glassy leaves, stimulate chlorophyll formation and help keep leaves a rich green and red. The fertiliser is absorbed through the leaves and does not pollute the water, as it contains no phosphate or nitrate. The dose is 5 ml per 10 l of water, so a bottle treats 200 l.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | liquid fertiliser |
| Elements | iron, potassium, manganese, trace elements |
| Nitrate and phosphate | none |
| Duration | up to 4 weeks |
| Uptake | through the leaves |
| Dose | 5 ml per 10 l |
| Treats | 200 l |
Pros
- Iron and potassium. The most common deficiencies in aquarium plants.
- Long-acting. Nutrients available for up to 4 weeks.
- No nitrate or phosphate. Does not feed algae with extra nutrients.
- Prevents yellow leaves.
- For green and red plants.
- Simple dosing. 5 ml per 10 l.
Cons and what to watch
- No ingredients or concentrations. How much iron and potassium is unknown.
- Interval not stated directly. The description only says the effect lasts up to 4 weeks.
- No nitrogen or phosphorus. In lightly stocked tanks plants may run short of them.
- Freshwater only.
- Overdosing is harmful. Too much fertiliser can trigger algae.
How to dose
Work out the dose from tank volume: 5 ml per 10 l of water. A 60 l tank, for example, needs 30 ml. Since the nutrients, according to the description, stay available for up to 4 weeks, re-dose about once a month or as the pack instructions say. Start with half a dose if you have few plants, and watch the leaves and any algae.
Signs of deficiency
Iron shortage shows as yellowing young leaves with green veins, potassium shortage as yellow edges and small holes in older leaves, and glassy, see-through leaves often point to a lack of trace elements. If the signs persist, the cause may be weak lighting or a shortage of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Fertiliser and light
Fertilisers only work with enough light. For a nano tank with undemanding plants, the AquaLighter Nano is one option. If light is weak and fertiliser plentiful, the surplus nutrients go to algae.
Algae
The manufacturer calls vigorous plant growth the best algae prevention, since plants take up nutrients and leave less for algae. That holds true if the photoperiod is not too long and fish are not overfed. If the water turns cloudy, use a clarifier such as Tetra CrystalWater, but find the cause first.
Root feeding
PlantaMin is absorbed through the leaves, so it suits plants that feed from the water best: mosses, ferns, floating and stem plants. Heavy-rooted plants such as cryptocorynes and Amazon swords also benefit from root tablets.
Water testing
Test the water, especially nitrate, which the fertiliser does not contain: in planted tanks it can drop almost to zero, and then plants stop growing. Tetra Test 6in1 strips are handy for this.
New tanks
In a newly set-up tank plants first need to root, so fertilising can start after a couple of weeks. Setting up is covered in aquarium for beginners: what to buy and how to set it up.
Storage
Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark place out of reach of children. Do not let it freeze.
Who it suits
Tetra PlantaMin suits freshwater aquariums with live plants whose leaves are yellowing or pale, as the main liquid iron and potassium feed. Other products are in the fish medicines and water care section.
Verdict
Tetra PlantaMin is a long-acting liquid fertiliser with iron, potassium, manganese and trace elements, free of nitrate and phosphate, for freshwater aquariums, with 100 ml treating 200 l. The downsides are undisclosed ingredients and concentrations, no directly stated interval, no nitrogen or phosphorus, and overdosing can trigger algae.
FAQ
What is the dose?
5 ml per 10 l of water.
How often should it be added?
The effect lasts up to 4 weeks; follow the pack instructions.
Does it contain nitrate or phosphate?
No.
What is in it?
Iron, potassium, manganese and other trace elements.
Is it suitable for red plants?
Yes, the manufacturer promises rich red and green colour.
Can it be used in a marine tank?
No, freshwater only.
How much water does it treat?
100 ml treats 200 l.
