Why Aquarium Plants LOVE Mulm!

That natural fertilizer role is where mulm truly shines for planted tanks. As mulm breaks down, beneficial bacteria transform fish waste, dead plants, and leftover food into valuable nutrients like nitrogen (often in the form of nitrate), phosphorus, and potassium. Aquarium plants absorb these nutrients through their roots, much like how garden plants draw nourishment from compost.

In heavily planted tanks or natural aquascapes, mulm helps keep the substrate rich and revitalized, providing a steady stream of nutrition. But balance is key—too little mulm and plants may miss out on nutrients, too much and it can smother roots or create oxygen-poor — also called anaerobic — pockets. Many aquarists manage this by allowing a healthy layer of mulm to remain for plant health while occasionally vacuuming excess buildup to keep the tank thriving.

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