fert.

[cyder_15]

hi all,

just wondering whether base fert is actually essential for the plants? what if i dont use base fert but i just stick to stick ferts would that be sufficient for the stem and bottom dwelling plants? pls advice.

secondly, currently i am using easy life pro fito. read the ingredients of it. It contains all the micro nutrients needed. however, with regards to the macro nutrients like PO4 and KNO3, is it necessary for me to get those so as to ensure that my plants would thrive? pls advice.

Thanks

[Plantbrain]

Yes, you need some source of PO4/NO3.

I do not use a base fert, I use a porous iron rich material(Flourite, Onyx sand etc), it helps to have some iron in there, but not 100% needed either.
I grew lots of plants with old sandy substrates.

I do add this to all the substrates:
About a 1/8"-1/4" dusting of ground peat.
Mulm from another tank that's been established awhile should be added to any tank.

(mulm)This is the vacuumed "dirt" that settles out on the bottom of a bucket when doing water changes.
About 1 liter of wet soupy mulm should be added per 2sq/ft or so.

This adds what is missing from an estbalished substrate into the new one.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[cyder_15]

Do you mind telling me what exactly does peat do to the substrate and how does it actually help plants?

[Plantbrain]

Provides reducing power that mimic bacterial layers till the tank is established well, add some carbon(not CO2) for the bacteria.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[cyder_15]

alrighty, thanks a lot tom will follow these instructions then.