Advertisements
Aquatic Avenue Banner Tropica Shop Banner Fishy Business Banner
Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: pH of substrate matters?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Bedok
    Posts
    2,600
    Feedback Score
    0
    Images
    5
    Country
    Singapore

    pH of substrate matters?

    Advertisements
    Fresh n Marine aQuarium Banner

    Advertise here

    Advertise here
    In terresterial plants, generally we maintain slight acidic soil for optimal nutrient uptake.

    In aquariums, will it be beneficial to have an acidic substrate?

    It is said that aquatic plants do take in substantial Fe via their roots. Acidic condition does enhance assimilation of Fe by the roots.

    Some hobbyists uses ADA Amazon Aquasoil which is slightly acidic with good success.

    Tom Barr did recommend adding peat to the substrate. Is lowering the pH in the substrate the reason for this recommendation?

    Any inputs or experience with this?

    BC

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Woodlands
    Posts
    3,938
    Feedback Score
    0
    Images
    54
    Country
    Singapore
    How do we measure that Fe has been taken up via the roots?

    I have had a tank using coral chips as substrate -- that is alkaline?
    And I also have other tanks using cocopeat topped by inert gravel -- that is acidic?

    In both cases, plants grew as well. But redder stem plants don't seem to favour the coral chip substrate.

    I think making the substrate acidic will also make the water slightly acidic and optimum for more plants.
    koah fong
    Juggler's tanks

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Redhill
    Posts
    2,086
    Feedback Score
    0
    Country
    Singapore

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Bedok
    Posts
    2,600
    Feedback Score
    0
    Images
    5
    Country
    Singapore
    Chris, thanks for the posting on the interesting article.

    However, the article was actually on studies of terrestrial plants growing in soil. Although both terrestrial plants and aquatic plants may use the same mechanism to uptake nutrients via their roots, aquatic plants may take most nutrients through their leaves. Therefore, in the case of aquatic plants, is the pH in the substrate as important?

    I would like to find out from fellow hobbyist or any botanists among us who have studied/researched this. I also like to know first hand experience from hobbyist on substrates they use.

    I hope I can stir some sort of interest in the science of this hobby, bringing the hobby to another level.

    BC

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Singapore
    Posts
    4,088
    Feedback Score
    0
    Country
    Singapore
    Maybe Tom Barr can help...[]
    Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Singapore
    Posts
    375
    Feedback Score
    0
    Country
    Singapore
    BC,

    I don't have the answer. But in case you're interested and still can't find any answer from whatever sources & research, I can help direct your question to some botanist & researcher I know of personally, in case they know.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •