Important Notes for the Fertilisation of Aquarium Plants

Contrary to tropical plant waters, our tap-water has large nutrient deficiencies. Many important plant nutrients and trace elements are missing, or extracted from the water during treatment. However if a nutrient is lacking, even if only temporarily, the plants growth is stunted or the plants perish (Liebig's Law of Minimums).

In order to ensure healthy plant growth in the aquarium, the nutrient deficiencies in the tap-water have to be supplemented so that good 'aquarium water' is derived from tap-water. For this purpose it is critical that the nutrients are in a very specific ratio to one another.

Several 'critical nutrients' - in particular iron and some trace elements - present special problems in solving this task. They are required only in minute quantities - in larger doses their effect is toxic. In aquaria they cannot be administered for days and weeks in advance such at time of water change. The situation is rendered more serious if various trace elements are not only being consumed by the plants, but also being precipitated by chemical reactants. This has always presented a very difficult problem in the field of aquarium keeping.

The Dupla fertilisation system solves the problems of plant nutrition in aquaria

Duplaroot G & K

Specially selected and processed natural tropical laterite in granule form for initial setting up of the aquarium Brings aquarium gravel to a rich iron-active substrate for optimum performance of aquarium plants
  • Ideal nutrient supply for all aquatic plants
  • Rich in iron available to plants
  • High trace element content
  • Prevents deficiency symptoms
  • pH neutral
  • Optimum results in conjunction with Duplaplant & Duplaplant 24 fertilizers
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    Duplaplant

    The Basic Fertiliser.

    The basic fertiliser Duplaplant, contains all important plant nutrients which are missing from tap-water; plus all trace elements which remain available in the aquarium only for a short time. The nutrient levels found in tropical waters are therefore replicated.

    Important: Duplaplant is dosed in accordance with the total volume of water when the aquarium is initially set up; and when the water is changed, only in accordance with the proportion of fresh water. It is not to be used to replace exhausted trace elements.; That is the function of Duplaplant 24.

    Duplaplant 24

    The Daily Fertiliser.

    In nature, constant replenishment of nutrient levels is achieved through groundwater seepage and run-off into streams. Regular (daily or better) addition of Duplaplant 24 replicates this natural replenishment. It contains iron and all essential trace elements that are very important for the plant growth, but cannot be added for days and weeks in advance - they can only be added in minute daily doses. Normally these substances are not available through the water, but when bound by means of chelation, they become available to the plants.

    Important: the need for nutrients in the aquarium depends on the plant quantity, lighting and other factors. A regular check on requirements is therefore recommended by measurement of the iron level with Duplatest Fe. A level of 0.05 to 0.1mg/l maximum, is recommended.

    Dupla Ground

    Dupla Ground is a lime-free, water-neutral substrate. It ideally supports plants and has a highly decorative effect. Its grain size of 1-4 mm aids circulation in the aquarium bed, while its round form is ideally suited for ground dwellers such as catfish and loaches.