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Yeast fermentation to sand substrate: How B.L. maintains his tank in Isenbüttel

Terrdrakon in action: plant care and technology in a 100-litre aquarium with CO₂ from yeast fermentation

Author: Dr. Andreas Kremser

Plant care and technology in a 100-litre aquarium

The customer aquarium with the dimensions 60 × 44 × 40 cm (100 litres) offers an exciting insight into the targeted use of aquarium plants and fertilisation. The substrate consists of fine sand, the main picture shows the front view of the tank.

The focus is on two Terrdrakon test plants:

  • Echinodorus 'ozelot green': The use of a maximum of 2 - 3 Terrdrakon balls is recommended here - a stronger fertilisation can only be useful for tanks over 130 cm.
  • Echinodorus parviflorus 'tropica': This grows slowly and can easily tolerate 2 - 3 medium balls.

Overview of technology and care

  • Lighting: 2 × 55 W compact fluorescent lamps
  • Water values: KH 1.5 °dH, pH 6.4, nitrate and phosphate below detection limit
  • Fertilisation:
    • Daily 2.2 ml Ferrdrakon
    • 0.6 ml Daydrakon
    • Terrdrakon balls depending on plant requirements
    • Aquadrakon Black when changing the water
    • CO₂ supply via yeast fermentation
  • Weekly water change: 40 - 50 litres

Stocking

  • 3 Siamese trunk barbs
  • 2 cockatoo dwarf cichlids
  • 10 Corydoras sterbai

The aquarium shows how a targeted nutrient supply and adapted plant care can lead to a stable and attractive tank - even with simple means such as CO₂ from yeast fermentation.