Every aquarist has experienced a time when their plants just wouldn’t grow in one tank and thrive in others. In reality, this is not something unusual. All our aquariums are unique, and this uniqueness is also rooted in Liebig’s Law of the Minimum.
Liebig’s Law of the Minimum states – plant growth is limited by the growth factor that is present in the minimum amount.
Even though there are lots of articles on plant growth issues on the internet, Liebig’s Law of the Minimum is fundamental to solving these problems. Surprisingly, this law is rarely mentioned in our hobby.
So, without further ado, let’s examine it in detail.
Liebig’s Law of the Minimum in Aquarium Settings: Key Principle
Justus von Liebig (1803-1873) was a German scientist who described the theory of mineral nutrient fertilization, but we can also apply this theory in aquarium keeping.
Liebig’s Law of the Minimum proposes that there is an optimal balance of growth factors for maximal plant growth. As other factors near their peak, the impact of the factor at its minimum becomes increasingly detrimental.
In other words, this means that if one essential element is in short supply, it will restrict plant growth regardless of the abundance of other nutrients. Basically, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link!
For aquarists, this implies that as other factors approach their optimum, deficiencies and algae growth intensify. This scenario often arises when CO2 supplementation is overlooked, leading to attempts to compensate with liquid fertilizers.
Main Factors Affecting Plant Growth
In order for plants to grow and thrive, they need nutrients, specific water parameters, light, the right temperature, etc.
According to Liebig’s Law of the Minimum, a plant might have plenty of nutrients but not enough light. So, even if you give it even more food, it will not grow better because the light is the real problem.
Another example could be a plant has optimal water parameters, sufficient nutrients, and adequate lighting, yet its growth remains stunted due to extreme temperatures (or sudden fluctuations), either too hot or too cold.
In order of importance, the growth factors look like this:
- Light
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
- Nutrients
- Water quality
- Temperature
However, in some cases, water movement, oxygen levels, and even trimming will also have a significant impact on the optimal plant growth conditions.
1. Light:
It provides energy for photosynthesis. Therefore, if you aim to achieve robust plant growth or reduce algae in your tank, you should start from the lighting.
For example, with increased light availability, nitrate may become the most deficient nutrient. As a result, plants can’t fully utilize it due to other lacking factors, while algae will thrive on it.
Lighting also has 3 parameters such as:
- Intensity,
- Duration,
- Spectrum.
While there is some interplay among them, they are not fully interchangeable. All three need to be balanced for healthy plant growth.
I need to repeat it again – Extending the photoperiod and/or changes in spectrum cannot compensate for a lack of adequate lighting! Similarly, if the spectrum is incorrect, even high-intensity, long-duration lighting will not support optimal growth.
Everything should have a balance! Assess which factor is sufficient and what might serve as the limiting factor for plant growth and the onset of deficiencies.
Related article:
- Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting
2. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide):
The importance of CO2 for plants in aquariums cannot be overstated.
CO2 serves as a vital component of photosynthesis. In this process, plants convert light energy into chemical energy, driving their growth and overall health. Insufficient CO2 hampers photosynthesis, leading to sluggish plant growth, weakened vitality, and heightened vulnerability to algae outbreaks.
Thus, maintaining adequate CO2 levels is essential for promoting vibrant and thriving aquatic plant growth.
Important: Boosting lighting intensity cannot compensate for a lack of CO2 and may lead to algae growth. Conversely, insufficient lighting renders CO2 saturation ineffective. Excessive CO2 levels can potentially harm tank inhabitants.
Related article:
- CO2 in a Planted Tank Guide
3. Nutrients:
Nutrients, both macro and micronutrients, are essential elements required by aquatic plants to thrive.
- Macronutrients (NPK) like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are needed in relatively larger quantities. Nitrogen facilitates protein synthesis, phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer, and potassium aids enzymatic reactions and osmoregulation.
- Micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, and others are required in smaller amounts but are equally vital for plant health. These micronutrients play roles in chlorophyll synthesis, enzyme function, and regulation.
If any essential nutrient is lacking or deficient, it will hinder plant growth and development. For instance, a shortage of nitrogen may lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves, while insufficient iron can result in chlorosis or leaf discoloration.
In order of importance:
- Nitrate
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
- Sodium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Boron
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Chlorine
- Cobalt
- Selenium
- Silicon, etc.
Related articles:
- How to Spot Nutrient Deficiencies in Aquatic Plants
- Everything about Nitrates in Planted Tanks
- Phosphates in Freshwater Tanks
4. Water quality:
Optimal water parameters, including pH, hardness, and salinity also impact plant growth and health.
pH: The pH level of the water determines its acidity or alkalinity. It affects nutrient availability and plant metabolism. Most aquatic plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (around 6.5-7.5).
Hardness (GH): Water hardness refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium ions). Depending on the plant species, hardness can influence nutrient uptake. Some plants may prefer softer water, while others thrive in harder water conditions.
Salinity: Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in the water. While most aquarium plants are freshwater species, some can tolerate brackish conditions to varying degrees. Excessive salinity can inhibit plant growth and may lead to osmotic stress.
If any of these water parameters are outside the preferred ranges for the plant, they can become limiting factors for growth. Therefore, maintaining optimal conditions is essential to ensure the healthy growth and development of aquarium plants.
Soft water tends to be more acidic and has lower mineral content, whereas hard water tends to be more alkaline and has higher mineral content. In soft, acidic water, the majority (around 70%) of the total carbon present is in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), while the remaining portion (about 30%) exists as bicarbonate (HCO3-).
On the other hand, in hard water, which is typically more alkaline, there is a higher proportion of bicarbonate ions compared to soft water. So, very hard water contains less CO2.
Related article:
- 30+ Brackish Water Plants
5. Temperature
The right temperature range ensures optimal metabolic rates, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake. Most aquatic plants thrive in a temperature range of 72-82°F (22-28°C).
Temperature impacts enzyme activities involved in various biochemical processes. Enzymes operate most efficiently within a specific temperature range.
Optimal temperatures can increase the rate of photosynthesis and enhance CO2 uptake. However, combined with high light intensity, it can also lead to excessive energy demand, potentially causing stress if other factors are limiting.
At the same time, excessive temperatures can reduce CO2 solubility in water, leading to lower available CO2 for plants, which could limit growth.
Interconnectedness of Factors
All these growth factors are interconnected. Aquariums are dynamic systems where conditions can change over time.
Improving one factor, like increasing light intensity or providing more nutrients, can shift the balance, making another factor the new limiting element.
That is why regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary to maintain the optimal balance of growth factors. This may involve routine water testing, fertilization, and CO2 adjustments.
In Conclusion
Liebig’s Law of the Minimum helps us understand the relationship between plant growth and the factors that influence it.
In this article, I intentionally do not cover lighting equipment, fertilization methods, CO2 dosing, and other specifics. These topics are discussed in detail in the articles I have referenced.
In an aquarium, numerous factors can affect the ecosystem’s development, including bacteria, plant compatibility, and even animals. Animals can either contribute to plant fertilization or be incompatible with plants.
Due to the complexity of this system and its interactions, Liebig’s Law focuses solely on the relationship between growth factors and plants.
Related articles:
- Light, CO2, and Nutrients: Why Aquarium Plants Struggle to Grow
- Fish Causing Problems in Planted Tanks
- Do Snails Eat Live Plants?
