Favorite Trace Mix: CSM+B vs. TMG??

Price-I like CSM-B
Performance-TMG

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/g.../41002-tropica-alternatives-flourish-etc.html

I made the switch not too long ago to TMG (or Tropica Plant Nutrition [TPN])...much better results so I'm not going back to CSM+B

Our local aquascaping community vote that TMG is the best trace mix in the market in terms of performance, availability and pricing. Denerle might fall the first place but their product price is steep. Not to mean that TMG is cheap, it is still the ferrari of liquid fertilizer after all.

There are plenty of ferts out there (almost all are cheaper; JBL, sera, easy life, adent, niche, azoo, ocean free, etc) but none could par to TMG so far as what I have polled out our local users. Not even my own trace mix which according to some testers claimed to have 75-80% of TMG potential.

Not only positive reports on performance, the product is quite stable as well with some users reporting that their bottle of TMG content remains quite as is after months of opening the seal.

Just a quick question, where and how can someone purchase TMG for their personal use?

Tropica Plant Nutrition Liquid 500 ML at Big Al's Online

"Plant Nutrition liquid was previously marketed under the ‘TROPICA MASTERGROW’ brand"

I use both......DC

Well - I purchased a liter of TPN (formerly TMG) form Big Al's. I will keep everything else the same and simply change my trace mix for one month and post my experiences.

I have read many posts claiming TMG to be "the best".
Could someone please explain? Do the plants have better color, grow faster or bigger? Are people haveing problems with CSM that are solved by switching brands?

What makes TMG the best?

Minsc said:

I have read many posts claiming TMG to be "the best".
Could someone please explain? Do the plants have better color, grow faster or bigger? Are people haveing problems with CSM that are solved by switching brands?

What makes TMG the best?

Click to expand...

I'll throw my 4 cents in again since I can't pinpoint the reason why, nor can I provide any "scientific" basis for my switch.

1. I got tired of CSM+B clogging up my Liquidoser.
2. I got tired of mixing up batches (diluted 1 TBLspn/250 mL water) and storing it in the fridge...and a week later finding crud at the bottom.
3. I randomly made the switch (since I had a ton of BigAls points I needed to use).
4. Found the plants had thicker stems, brighter reds, greens had some crazy "sheen" to them. All other water parameters were the same...the only change was the switch from CSM to TPN.

In the previous post...someone put a table in there about the breakdown of all the nutrients found in the various commercially available micro ferts. TMG (TPN) appears to have lower quantities of many of the "key" nutrients, but for some reason, the results of using it is "just different". No real rationale, the difference is just "there". I hope this makes sense. :icon_roll

I use Flouish for traces and a little powdered Iron...
I have CSM+B as a back up, but it gets moldy, even stored dry...

I have always wanted to try out TMG, but still have a decent amount of PMDD store's CSM+B. Since Tropica is primarily an aquatic plant company (I think) and have been around awhile, it doesn't surprise me that they are one of the best available. Definately on my list to get.

I use CSM+B and the stuff works good enough for me.

I don't see how one could think the other is better, unless they have deficiencies when using the other one. Well, you know what I mean. I have enough CSM+B to last at least a year, so I won't be trying any other trace mix for a while.

Too bad Big Als only has the 250ml or the 5L option on there site.... I wouldn't mind trying hte TPN...

Craigthor the link posted earlier brings you right to it just add it to your cart.

Here you go again.

Tropica Plant Nutrition Liquid 500 ML at Big Al's Online

Just a quick question what else do you have to dose with that? Nitrate or Phosphate?

Craigthor said:

Too bad Big Als only has the 250ml or the 5L option on there site.... I wouldn't mind trying hte TPN...

Click to expand...

He has the 500ml bottle.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...ml?&query=tropica&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=

StillLearning said:

Craigthor the link posted earlier brings you right to it just add it to your cart.

Here you go again.

Tropica Plant Nutrition Liquid 500 ML at Big Al's Online

Just a quick question what else do you have to dose with that? Nitrate or Phosphate?

Click to expand...

barbarossa4122 said:

He has the 500ml bottle.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...ml?&query=tropica&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=

Click to expand...

My bad I didn't read the linked page just the 2 options listed. To used to shopping DrsF&S where all the optionas are in one list.

Craig

I am am avid TPN user. I have tried all the others and the TPN just plain works better. I don't know why but it just does. With the TPN product I get healthier plants and less algae. It is expensive though. But on my last purchase before the holidays I got in on the free shipping and used my VIP points to get the 5 liter jug! Didn't cost me a penny.

EdTheEdge said:

I am am avid TPN user. I have tried all the others and the TPN just plain works better. I don't know why but it just does. With the TPN product I get healthier plants and less algae. It is expensive though. But on my last purchase before the holidays I got in on the free shipping and used my VIP points to get the 5 liter jug! Didn't cost me a penny.

Click to expand...

How does the points system works at BigAl? I only have 66 points, so far.