Just Starting To Use Ferts And Have A Question.

[hogfan]

I have toyed with the idea of using the Miracle Gro fertilizer spikes for my small assortment of plants. In yall's opinion, are these a good idea to use?

 

[mike455555]

i would say no they are meant for plants arint they. they will have higher nitrate levels and phosphorous than aquarium fertilizers

have a look at this i use these there the cheaper and just as good than stuff like TNC

 

[hogfan]

i would say no they are meant for plants arint they. they will have higher nitrate levels and phosphorous than aquarium fertilizers

have a look at this i use these there the cheaper and just as good than stuff like TNC

Hey mike, the site has a note that says no chemicals can be shipped out of the EU. Is this kit falling into that category then?

 

[mike455555]

oh sorry im in the UK so i wouldn't know but if you do a google search on EI dosing im sure you can pull up the dry salts if not you can get the chemicals on there own i know that the Magnesium Sulphate is some washing up salt or something chemicals like these are easy to get hold of. if not look at ready mixed ones (although there more expensive for the amount you get)

 

[DrRob]

A small scattering of osmocote under the substrate is said to be good. I've seen PS3Steveo suggest it's use as a root tab but haven't used it that way myself.

 

[hogfan]

A small scattering of osmocote under the substrate is said to be good. I've seen PS3Steveo suggest it's use as a root tab but haven't used it that way myself.

Thats interesting. I read the technical specs on both the Osmocote and the Miracle Gro spikes and they are pretty close. They have virtually the same ingredients but the values are a little different in a few cases. I have read that you can freeze the spikes then push them into the substrate, which is what I did.

 

[DrRob]

I suspect that they're very similar. I'm aware of aquarists having experience with the osmocote, and, as you say, the ingredients are very similar, only difference I can imagine would be the release rate.

 

[SO19Firearms]

I've only had a quick read but to be safe I'd go with no. Osmocote and the like have a slow release system and when you check the temperature charts a 9mnth version will last up to 6 or so at aquarium temps. The M G Spike I just read was 2mnths - even if that is an osmosis style it wont last long in the aquarium.

Where you have to be slightly careful when using normal plant food in the aquarium is with ammonia - We get away with it when using Osmocote etc by using small amounts, burying it and the osmosis tech on the long life versions (reduced for fish tanks)
Get that wrong and you might get in to trouble......

As Dr Rob says - Osmocote (longest life you can get), Ice cube tray - bury it

And check James planted tank for EI chemicals in America, Canada and UK

HTH

 

[hogfan]

I've only had a quick read but to be safe I'd go with no. Osmocote and the like have a slow release system and when you check the temperature charts a 9mnth version will last up to 6 or so at aquarium temps. The M G Spike I just read was 2mnths - even if that is an osmosis style it wont last long in the aquarium.

Where you have to be slightly careful when using normal plant food in the aquarium is with ammonia - We get away with it when using Osmocote etc by using small amounts, burying it and the osmosis tech on the long life versions (reduced for fish tanks)
Get that wrong and you might get in to trouble......

As Dr Rob says - Osmocote (longest life you can get), Ice cube tray - bury it

And check James planted tank for EI chemicals in America, Canada and UK

HTH

Thanks for that link. I was looking at "aquarium fertilizer" last night and went back today and went ahead and ordered the Root Medic Complete capsules. These should last me a while.