Root tabs?

[WhistlingBadger]

I'm thinking about adding some root tabs to my rainbow tank and see if that peps up the plants some. I don't usually use ferts--I use dirt in my tanks, and I've never had a substrate give out on me, but I think that might be what's happening; not sure what went wrong--so I'm pretty clueless.

What brand do you recommend for amazon swords, Alternanthera reineckii, etc? How do you place them? Any other tips appreciated!

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8DTQ4D/?tag=ff0d01-20

They work very well. They can be annoying at times, because they float like crazy. Some people in the reviews say that poking holes in it helps, but I didn’t do that.

As long as you push them in as deep as they can go, you shouldn’t have any issues with them floating.

I pushed one in just a bit, just to see what it did, and the other part of the cap came off. It came off because it had already started dissolving. (Just like a pill in your stomach)

Anyway, other than the issue with them floating, they are really good. (They did wonders for my crypts, lol)

 

[eatyourpeas]

I started with Seachem Flourish Tabs, but now I rely mostly on critter waste. If your soil is a bit tired, they could help.

Edited to add: I bury them deep in the substrate.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

I have had good luck so far with the Root Tabs from Aquarium Co-op. My swords are planted in sand and I put about 4 of these around the base of each plant and they are growing quickly which I did not expect considering the substrate.

Easy Root Tabs | Aquarium Plant Fertilizer Made of Enriched Soil

Easy Root Tabs feeds essential nutrients to the roots of aquarium plants. Unlike other root tabs, it won't release ammonia and is safe for fish & inverts.

www.aquariumcoop.com

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Yeah, critter waste has always worked for me, too, but the plants are languishing a bit so I'll give the seachem tabs a try.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Ive found liquid iron can give plants a boost too

 

[hansgruber7]

I have had good luck so far with the Root Tabs from Aquarium Co-op. My swords are planted in sand and I put about 4 of these around the base of each plant and they are growing quickly which I did not expect considering the substrate.

Easy Root Tabs | Aquarium Plant Fertilizer Made of Enriched Soil

Easy Root Tabs feeds essential nutrients to the roots of aquarium plants. Unlike other root tabs, it won't release ammonia and is safe for fish & inverts.

www.aquariumcoop.com

I use the Aquarium Co Op Root tabs too for my Amazon Sword in sand too and they have been working great.

 

[AbbeysDad]

Ask any farmer or gardener how well anything would grow over time in just a couple of inches of soil. There are several root tab products on the market. My experience has been mostly with Seachem Flourish Root Tabs. Also, readers might have interest in The Planted Tank.