[ABrow1]

Hi,
I just set up my first dirted tank with Miracle Gro Organic and gravel. Have two swords in there, a crypt, some anubias, water sprite, etc. It's been up for almost a week. I know that swords need root tabs, but when should I add them? Since they're in dirt, should they go a month or two first or should I get on it to get them fully rooted? Thanks for the advice!

 

[lauraleellbp]

You can probably go quite a while - at least several months- before you'll need them. Depends on how fast your swords grow. If you start getting yellowing leaves, you'll know it's time to give them some more nutrients.

 

[VW_TDI_02]

I agree with lauraleellbp. The dirt should provide plenty of nutrients for the swords. Until you see symptoms of a deficiency, I would not bother with root tabs. This shouldn't be for a good several months too. Obviously you may see some melting at the beginning since they are new to the tank but that is something unrelated.

 

[AGUILAR3]

I think the whole purpose of using dirt is to avoid having to add root tabs to your substrate. I'm going on 10+ months with Crypts and Vals and I have yet to see a need for tabs.
Look around the "Low tech" section of this forum and you'll see members with dirted tanks going on 2-3 years with no issues.