Maintaining the water quality that aquatic plants prefer

The key for growing Tonina is, above all, to maintain KH (carbonate hardness) at low levels. This is because Tonina uses injected CO2 in the form of free carbon dioxide. Since the ability of Aqua Soil to reduce the pH and hardness of water decline gradually, when this happens, it helps to add Do!Aqua series be Soft to maintain the environment with low KH that Tonina and other South American stem plants favor. On the other hand, Pearl Grass belongs to a family of plants that prefers somewhat hard water. When the pH and hardness of the water decreases during the initial set-up period, the lower part of the plant tends to melt, and it takes some time and effort to get it established. Pearl Grass prefers a little higher pH and hardness because it uses injected CO2 in the form of a bicarbonate ion (HCO3-). An addition of Brighty K, which has a pH buffering effect, is effective for preventing pH from decreasing too much. As this indicates, different aquatic plants take up CO2 in different forms, even when CO2 is injected in the same manner. Therefore, it is important to adjust the pH and hardness to the levels that each individual aquatic plant prefers.

The form of carbon dioxide depending on pH When the pH is low, CO2 is present in the water as free carbon dioxide (CO2). There are more bicarbonate ions when the water pH is near neutral. When the water has a high pH, carbonate ion (CO3-) dominates.

Water quality data:
Water temperature: 25°C; pH: 7.0; TH: 50 mg/ℓ; NH4: 0 mg/ℓ; NO2: < 0.02 mg/ℓ; NO3: 0 mg/ℓ; PO4: 2 mg/ℓ; COD: 2 mg/ℓ

Pearl Grass
Pearl Grass prefers somewhat hard water and, subsequently, may melt when used with Aqua Soil. It is critical until it takes roots. Once it is rooted, it withstands trimming well and is easy to use in a layout.

Water quality data:
Water temperature: 25°C; pH: 6.0; TH: 20 mg/ℓ; NH4: < 0.5 mg/ℓ; NO2: <0.02 mg/ℓ; NO3: < 1 mg/ℓ; PO4: 0.2 mg/ℓ; COD: 6 mg/ℓ

Tonina
Maintaining a low KH makes it easier to grow this plant. The plant should be topped and replanted rather than trimmed to maintain its appearance. There are many geographical variations and they are often sought after as collectible.