Hi beetlejuice,
i think generally for using root supplements, it would be mainly to enhance the growth of rooting plants. In your case, that would be your crypts, diplis diandra, HC and HG.
Heh, frankly speaking.. i would not be as hardworking as you to divide the 1-feet base into 9 smaller squares like a tic-tac-toe grid. It would be more of a case to see where your plants are positioned then insert the root tabs in the Gex soil close to the roots. This can be around 1-2 cm into the substrate.. i guess it's alright if you can't see anymore once you have inserted them in. No hard and fast rule over here, as it really depends on individual tanks and preferences. The key would be to satisfy those hungry roots.
1)How do I know that the tablet had been fully used up by the plants?
2) Roughly how long can the tablet last before I insert the next tablet?
Generally, most root tabs can last for around a year (again depending on the fert regime, light regime and the plant itself) - if you notice that after some time, your plant (rooted/stem) becomes less 'fat and juicy' than previously, or growth is not as nice as compared to when you have inserted the root tabs, then perhaps it's time to retab again. (bearing in mind other factors as well)
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
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