Base fert

[eGGS]

Hello,

I'm planning to insert some fert into my gravel as I used very little substrate fert. The only liquid fert that I'm adding now is trace elements after weekly water change. I have mainly hairgrass and glosso in my tank.

Can someone recommend a base fert? Also, I was told to stay away from Jobes b'cos of its hight N and P content? How about this brand called monster root? My friend is using it and he says its not bad, but $1 per fert is kinnda ex.

Will the base fert help make the colour of my plants will vibrant? Does it contain iron?

How long can these type of fert last and will it leak into the water? I just need to put 1 beside each plant?

Planning to go to NA this week, wonder is Chan sells it.

Tks

[David]

Hi eGGs

Root Monster from Oceanfree is pretty good for root feeders like Echinodorus and Cryptos. JBL and BioPlast Fert balls are pretty good and they are more of an all rounder.

[eGGS]

Hello David,


I have alot of plants in my tank, is it safe to put one beside each plant and bury it deep into the gravel?

How long can each fert last and also, will it leak into the water and cause alage problems?

I was told root monster is quite expensive? How much does the JBL and Bioplast one cost?

Thanks

[David]

it would be best if you could stick them arount 4cm away from the crown of the plant. This is because if you stick them too near, one, you may not have a chance to push in as the roots nearest the plant is always the thickest. second, you do not want to break the roots nearest the crown.

Regarding the price, to me its almost the same as there are trade offs. Root Monster is a solid slow release that reminds solid no matter how long its being buried in the substrate while the fert ball from JBL and BioPlast will start to melt after afew hours. This means that if you decide to replant, the latter is going to cloud the water column should you happen to uproot them with the plant.

Try to bury them at least an inch into the substrate.

[souphamster]

is there any fertilzer that is benificia for both roots and leaves? because i forgotten to put a base fertilizer and my tank is 1.5feet with 1inche thick sand with plants now, all nicely set up , so i dun think i would like to redo again.
I was thinking if i can insert a little fertilzer into the sand, but not sure how... some fertilzer like tiny green bean size, so what brand is good for my case?

[David]

Hi souphamster

I dont recall any fert that is both beneficial (I think you are referring to duel action) fert that I know of. Base fert is the foundation of a planted tank giving long term nutrients while liquid fert is the supplimentary.

While there are many cases where base fert is not used, Plants do grow well with just liquid fert alone. Its just that your fert regime has to be clock work.

Adding fert ball is fine and you need not have to execute a tear down.

[souphamster]

so, that to say, considering buying a ocean free brand fertilizer, and plant the them in a nice matter will do? hmm..... okie.. i shall do that then, and on top of it, i should also get a liquid fertilizer as well.. but then, will riccia bubble even with no fertilizer? Right now, i am using a 1.5feet tank but then riccia not bubbling, its a 2x18w light. Thinking of adding one more PL light, should i? CO2 is Diy, about 1bubble per 5secs.

[PeterGwee]

Your CO2 is the main suspect here...riccia is the most easy to bubble plant. Check your pH and KH...get them to 20-30ppm all light period long and you should see bubbling after a couple of hours. DIY CO2 need lots of attention...if you are really serious about planted tanks, get pressurised systems..less PITA and easy to set CO2 level.

[souphamster]

u mean newly netted piece of riccia in regardless of driftwood or wiremeze will bubble when there are sufficient co2 and light? hmm.... must buy so many things one meh?? the ph, k, so on.... why so chim one? planted tank lei.. my tank also got no live stock in yet also.. how ar??

[PeterGwee]

LOL..chim meh? If you find the basics chim, then you are in for more shocks. Its not so simple...be prepare or the hobby might just not cut it for you.[] Oh, if I sound harsh, I'm sorry..you need to read up more before considering if it is really suitable for you.