root tabs?

[whiteblaze 27]

what is the best brand of root tabs i can get that work the bes?

[somewhatshocked]

There is no "best." It's all up to what you want to accomplish, the plants you have, the substrate you're using and how much you want to spend.

[whiteblaze 27]

well i have eco complete and want to put them under my tiger lotus and dhg

[somewhatshocked]

Then you can use anything available. Check online and in your local pet shops/big box stores. Everything from Seachem/Flourish to API should be available. Or you could make your own Osmocote Plus caps.

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

I make my own root tabs with osmocote plus for my tank, and my Tiger Lotus' won't stop growing so fast, I'm trimming them once a week because of how fast they grow, and they start shading my other plants.

[whiteblaze 27]

k thanks guys

[Mathman]

Could you please explain how to make your own capsules or tables using osmocote plus. Thank you!

[Mathman]

After a lil bit of research...

I will be purchasing 1000 "00" gel capsules from eBay and simply fill them with osmocote plus.

A few questions,

How often should I be putting new capsules?

Can I simply buy osmocote plus from the Home Depot?

Thanks

[somewhatshocked]

You can buy Osmocote Plus (never regular Osmocote) at most hardware stores and garden centers, for sure.

Only dose what you need for your plants. Start with very little, monitor water parameters, watch your plants. I typically only add a capsule in an area where I've got a lot of heavy root feeders.

Be sure to push them all the way to the bottom of your substrate - until you hit the glass. That prevents floating fert granules and allows it to spread throughout an area instead of immediately spreading into the water column.

[Mathman]

What do you mean by monitor water parameters? What am I testing for? I haven't tested my water in ages since I started using EI method since i do more than 50% water change per week.

I have crypts, blyxa japonica, parva, and a sword.

Thanks.

Also, seeing that you only this every so often...maybe 1000 capsules is overkill. What are your thoughts?

[Adri.]

This is interesting, I never knew that you could make your own root tabs. How much do you save by doing that instead of buying them?

[Neatfish]

I been using api root tabs with eco complete it's working good.

[Mathman]

I've been using API root tabs too but they are rather pricey...$6-7 per 12 capsules.

The osmocote plus bottle is 23 bucks an 1k capsules is about $12...however, you have enough supply for years if not a lifetime.

[Neatfish]

How many times do you add your root tabs?

[somewhatshocked]

Precisely, Mathman. It's a real cost saver.

You can also make clay fert balls by using natural sculpting clay (make sure there are no additives) and dry ferts. I make my own with clay, dry ferts, extra iron and occasionally with added Osmocote Plus. Super-effective.

Neatfish: Fertilizers should only be added when needed. Basically when you see that your plants need them. After a few months, one eventually gets the hang of what's needed and will know when to add them. It's best to start with small amounts at first.