What is NPK?

So what is NPK and why is it important for planted aquariums?

NPK is made up of 3 macro elements Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium and all 3 are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy planted aquarium.

Nitrogen (N) – nitrogen is largely responsible for the growth of leaves on the plant.

Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorus is largely responsible for root growth and flower and fruit development.

Potassium (K) – Potassium is a nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant perform correctly.


Nitrogen provides a blend of both Nitrate form and plant preferred ammonium form. However no free ammonia is released into the water.

Phosphorus is a mix of Nitrate and phosphate in a fixed ratio. Using phosphorus allows you to dose without the risk of overdosing nitrates into your aquarium.

Potassium is an important element to maintain a good growth rate, potassium will help prevent yellowing in older leaves.

All these elements are very important for a planted aquarium, however dosing these element are very easy to use, do check the dosage rates on the bottle before adding.

Adding extra fertiliser 

 Adding additional element fertilisers to your aquarium is also recommended along with your NPK. Click here to see the other fertilisers FishCove Aquatics stock.