Injecting base fertilizer into established tank

[peterkoh]

Folks, I notice those root fertilizer are expensive and limited in choices. Anyone tried using a syringe to inject base fertilizer (tose small pellets) into the substrate to enrich it ? Will it work ?

Thks.

[teddy_ang]

its actually a good idea. i used to "deliver" tetra initial sticks via a tube. its quite selective fertilization and does not contaminate the water column.

you will need to invest in several sized tubes fir the delivery method.

great for echis and crypts...

[medicineman]

During the old times or in countries with no good supply of root tablets people used to utilize empty capsules and stuff them with base fertilizer concentrate to replenish depleted nutrient in the substrate.

Nowadays you can get reasonably priced yet quite powerful root tablet (macros, micros, minerals all in one) of my personal product. Look at NA, Uncleben or Mizuworld for Wonder-Gro root+ tablets. Each pack supplies you 50 good sized tablets.

[jacian]

In the past, I use Jobe sticks or Horti sticks, choose those with the least phosphate.

[greenaqua]

Folks, I notice those root fertilizer are expensive and limited in choices. Anyone tried using a syringe to inject base fertilizer (tose small pellets) into the substrate to enrich it ? Will it work ?

Thks.

I use a syringe to inject liquid fertilizers into the substrate near the roots of my plants. You need a long needle to reach deeper so that you don't break the plants and so that the liquid does not seep back into the water.

[AquaObsession]

Why would you inject liquid fert in your substrate????

[d2sign]

It usually apply to substrate for more than 3 years? The organic elements and nutrients inside the soil mostly absorbed by the plants, therefore we can inject base fertilizer to replenish it or else we have to replace with new soil to maintain the healthy growth of plants IMO.

[greenaqua]

Why would you inject liquid fert in your substrate????

My soil substrate is over 3 years old and quite depleted. Injecting also sends the fert to the root directly and not leave it in the water to feed algae.

[greenaqua]

My soil substrate is over 3 years old and quite depleted. Injecting also sends the fert to the root directly and not leave it in the water to feed algae.

Oh yeah, and I also put in a higher dose with no worries of overdosing since its in the soil near the roots.

[juggler]

In the past, I use Jobe sticks or Horti sticks, choose those with the least phosphate.

Nowadays, I have not come across Jobe or Horti fertiliser spikes. Anyone seen them?

[peterkoh]

Nowadays, I have not come across Jobe or Horti fertiliser spikes. Anyone seen them?

Juggler, how are you ?

I came across the tablet fertilizer at Giant Parkway. Not sure if it has the same effect as sticks - I wonder too why this type disappears out of the blue when it has been around for years.

I also came across a different type of stick fertilizer at Daiso. $2 a pack for a dozen sticks I think. Note these are organic fertilizer. Have you tried it ?

[Laconic]

I have seen Horti fertilizer Tablets - bluish in colour - being sold at Carrefour. Think it's $4+ for 25 tablets.

Currently I'm using Phostrogen slow release tablets - for NPK and trace.
Must take care to push it deep in the substrate though.