3D STUDIO

Plant Growth Simulator

Run a planted tank forward in time and watch what light, CO₂, fertiliser and temperature actually do to growth rate, health and algae risk.

Interactive 5–10 min

Drag to rotate · scroll to zoom

Day 0
— cm/week
health —

Static diagram of plant growth simulator

Plant Growth Simulator needs WebGL

This simulator renders in 3D. The static diagram behind this message shows the same concept, and the parameter panel still works.

How to use it

Choose a species. Each has its own light and CO₂ thresholds.
Set light and CO₂. The balance between them drives everything else.
Add fertiliser and set the temperature.
Run the clock forward and watch the plants grow — or stall, yellow, and lose their lower leaves.
Read the health score and the algae risk as they develop.
Compare two parameter sets side by side, then export the growth log.

What it outputs

Growth rate (cm/week)
Health score
Trim interval
Algae risk
Parameter advice
Growth log export

The model uses a minimum-factor rule: growth is set by whichever input is scarcest. Raising light when CO₂ is the limiting factor grows algae, not plants — that is the single most useful thing this simulator shows.

Note. This is an educational model, not a prediction. Simulated results are indicative only — real aquariums involve live animals, and you should follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and the welfare limits stated throughout this site. CO₂ above 30 ppm harms fish and shrimp.