DIY Root tabs

**diazman** · 29th Oct 2014, 11:45

Hi all, does anyone ever tried making DIY root tabs before? Thinking of making some to save cost..

Intrigued by this video.

However, cannot find such brand in local nurseries. Bringing one from overseas might see the product getting impounded by AVA though

Disclaimer: Of course this will be tested out in a separate tank before I actually intend to use it on my main tank. Dont want to risk unnecessary death

**kurty** · 29th Oct 2014, 12:31

I think I ever saw similar product before in Singapore and jb. Maybe we can buy one and share..
Afterall, quite a huge quantity

**diazman** · 29th Oct 2014, 12:43

Originally Posted by kurty

I think I ever saw similar product before in Singapore and jb. Maybe we can buy one and share..
Afterall, quite a huge quantity

wah, please do share if you have sightings of the fertilizer in the video. Can save big time and lifetime supply of root tabs

I already got hold of some gelatin capsules. Just need to hunt for the appropriate fertilizer to test the theory.

**jiajuen900** · 29th Oct 2014, 12:52

Sounds really interesting if we can get the product locally

**diazman** · 29th Oct 2014, 13:03

Originally Posted by jiajuen900

Sounds really interesting if we can get the product locally

Hydroponics carry the brand but not the same type featured in the video. Alas, I also think the product might have already been discontinued.. so gotta hunt for other slow releasing types.

**felix_fx2** · 29th Oct 2014, 20:32

Originally Posted by diazman

Hydroponics carry the brand but not the same type featured in the video. Alas, I also think the product might have already been discontinued.. so gotta hunt for other slow releasing types.

check out the brands of slow release ones we can find locally.
stuff in capsule, no need to die hard get 1 brand... had done this without capsule to my tanks before.
using the ones made from poultry manure..

**diazman** · 29th Oct 2014, 20:47

Originally Posted by felix_fx2

check out the brands of slow release ones we can find locally.
stuff in capsule, no need to die hard get 1 brand... had done this without capsule to my tanks before.
using the ones made from poultry manure..

wah boss.. share which brand you use?

im looking to mix ones that provide trace elements.

Do the DIY root tabs work for your tank?

**felix_fx2** · 29th Oct 2014, 21:40

Originally Posted by diazman

wah boss.. share which brand you use?

im looking to mix ones that provide trace elements.

Do the DIY root tabs work for your tank?

http://www.horti.com.sg/specfer/specfer.htm

the only pellet type i could find easily, i used when starting/topup cheap tanks.

**kurty** · 29th Oct 2014, 22:00

Which one you use? Slow release?

May I ask Where to get?

**Urban Aquaria** · 29th Oct 2014, 22:15

Just curious, for those who have used horticulture fertilizers to DIY root tabs... how are the effects on aquatic invertebrates like shrimps or snails? Since the fertilizer's various mineral content (ie. copper) is likely much higher since its not originally designed for aquarium usage.

**kurty** · 29th Oct 2014, 22:25

Originally Posted by Urban Aquaria

Just curious, for those who have used horticulture fertilizers to DIY root tabs... how are the effects on aquatic invertebrates like shrimps or snails? Since the fertilizer's various mineral content (ie. copper) is likely much higher since its not originally designed for aquarium usage.

I ever dose a few times, which I used for my indoor plants, fast grower and flower.
So far, no harm to fauna.. in fact, the yamato loves it..

But I don't see any growth from it..

Maybe my next tank, I probably fill it in 3 layers.

Bottom, using cheap soil.
Middle, dry fertilizer.
Top, ada

**AQMS** · 29th Oct 2014, 23:16

You can get it at eco city 18-11-10.NPK
Make sure buy the slow released fert if not you have tank full of algae.
Local nursery do sell slow released fert just check the content before buying.
I seriously do not recommend for those who have expensive shrimps collection.

**diazman** · 29th Oct 2014, 23:46

Thanks for the link s and suggestions all. Gonna grab one and try on my crypt tank. And no worries, no shrimps there - except a couple of tetras. Will update on the results once I get hold on some of the fert

**kurty** · 30th Oct 2014, 00:08

Originally Posted by diazman

Thanks for the link s and suggestions all. Gonna grab one and try on my crypt tank. And no worries, no shrimps there - except a couple of tetras. Will update on the results once I get hold on some of the fert

Do let keep know if you want to share, I could take the balance.

**AQMS** · 30th Oct 2014, 07:45

why not buy the ready made oscomote root tab from ebay?

**diazman** · 30th Oct 2014, 08:08

Originally Posted by zerofighterx101

why not buy the ready made oscomote root tab from ebay?

I could do so but after some calculations, i reckon purchasing my own fertilizer + the capsules are cheaper. Plus its fun making stuff up

**diazman** · 30th Oct 2014, 08:08

Originally Posted by kurty

Do let keep know if you want to share, I could take the balance.

Thanks, i will keep this thread updated

**diazman** · 30th Oct 2014, 10:25

Update:

I got a respond from AVA on the subject about bringing the fertilizers from ebay/amazon. Unfortunately they mentioned its a controlled item and bringing one in may result in the item getting destroyed..

No choice need to source for local products already.