I mainly feed from the root zone with root tabs. If I notice any plants showing signs of nutritional deficiency, I'll dose into the water for immediate help then place more root tabs around the plants in question.
Substrate Pellets, Feed the plant not the algae?
Anyone using Aquariumplants.com total substrate pellets? I purchased my plants through them and ordered these pelletes. I've only used it for about 4 weeks and my plants look great. Is this enought? I do have a high light tank. Also any thoughts on fertilizing the substrate only? I Here alot of talk that the liquids feed the algae as well.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_own_SUBSTRATE_VITALIZATION_p/fert.htm
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_own_SUBSTRATE_VITALIZATION_p/fert.htm
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any suggestions on what tabs to use?
These do NOT avoid algae by adding it to the sediment.
They grow plants.
Period.
Regards,
Tom Barr
They grow plants.
Period.
Regards,
Tom Barr
I believe he is asking, does using root tabs instead of dosing the water column help prevent algae?These do NOT avoid algae by adding it to the sediment.
They grow plants.
Period.
Regards,
Tom Barr
And Tom's saying it doesn't. Which stands to reason, since if water column fertilization caused algae than everyone who fertilized this way would have to have algae.
Hope this helps.
Dave
Hope this helps.
Dave
x2...And Tom's saying it doesn't. Which stands to reason, since if water column fertilization caused algae than everyone who fertilized this way would have to have algae.
Hope this helps.
Dave
the other issue being that as long as you have fish living in the tank there are nutrients in the water column from fish waste and decaying food... algae need very little in the way of nutrients... there will always be enough nutrients in the water column to support algae growth.
I use a combo of fertilizing through the roots and the water column. Not for algae control, but because I have some fish that are supposedly sensitive to nitrates. To be honest, I don't believe nitrates do dingus to the fish. I think whole "nitrate sensitivity" came about from gravel and magic castle tanks when nitrate was a measure of poor water quality. I just don't want to spend $50 to replace a pair of fish if I'm wrong.
I think you are right about the nitrate and sensitive fish thing being an indicator of poor water quality back in the day when water changes were not done regularly. More likely the DOCs being the culprits and not nitrate as we know it and dose regularly.I use a combo of fertilizing through the roots and the water column. Not for algae control, but because I have some fish that are supposedly sensitive to nitrates. To be honest, I don't believe nitrates do dingus to the fish. I think whole "nitrate sensitivity" came about from gravel and magic castle tanks when nitrate was a measure of poor water quality. I just don't want to spend $50 to replace a pair of fish if I'm wrong.
I choked on my Dr. Pepper when I read that. You truly have a way of wording things.I don't believe nitrates do dingus
Nitrates are fine if kept below 60-80 ppm. IN a planted tank there is little change of reaching that level. I dose to 15 ppm every other day and it is zero on the next day.I use a combo of fertilizing through the roots and the water column. Not for algae control, but because I have some fish that are supposedly sensitive to nitrates. To be honest, I don't believe nitrates do dingus to the fish. I think whole "nitrate sensitivity" came about from gravel and magic castle tanks when nitrate was a measure of poor water quality. I just don't want to spend $50 to replace a pair of fish if I'm wrong.
Algae is caused when something is greatly out of balance. Too much light, not enough co2 and not enough of particular nutrients is more likely to cause algae than just high fert levels.I believe he is asking, does using root tabs instead of dosing the water column help prevent algae?
Now high ferts, high light and no co2 is a disaster in the making.
High Light and no co2 is a disaster.
Etc.
Thanks Justin! I just ordered Root Medic liquid Macro and Iron intense root tabs. I already have seachem flourish complete for micros. I will try this out in low amounts to see the results, then increase slowly.
The answer is No.I believe he is asking, does using root tabs instead of dosing the water column help prevent algae?
Regards,
Tom Barr
I think the main selling/marketing point is that adding ferts to both locations helps us to grow plants with less issues.easier care, it is not.....as so many have stated on the web over the last decade and 1/2, to avoid algae.
So using the sediment as a source is good, easy, simple etc........but it is to help the plants, not avoid algae.
Regards,
Tom Barr
So using the sediment as a source is good, easy, simple etc........but it is to help the plants, not avoid algae.
Regards,
Tom Barr
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
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