[Elrodg]

Will my plants grow ok with no dirt and plenty of ferts? I have already built my tank and am too lazy to strip it down.

 

[chad320]

I assume you mean with inert gravel? Plants should do fine. They do appreciate ferts for their roots which can be provided with root tabs. Fish will also contribute to this via poop. If you dont add root tabs I would expect to wait awhile before you see good growth. It makes logical sense to have some sort of fert for the roots though.

 

[Dr. Acula]

Yes, they'll still be alright if fertilized properly and your lighting, etc. is in order. Like Chad mentioned, the mulm generated in the tank will eventually contribute some, and all aquatic plants have the ability to absorb nutrients in the water column, even ones described as heavy root feeders. Not to say they wouldn't appreciate or benefit from something like root tabs, which would still be relatively easy to add.

 

[Elrodg]

Well I have root tabs that's not a problem. I just don't want to strip this thing down as I have about 10 cichlids and only a ten gallon crisis tank to put them in