fertiliser

[chishnfips]

Alright folks, I have recently changed my tank to having real plants, but I was wondering if I really need to fertilise them or feed them with anything, or will they be okay just living of the nitrates?

 

[fraservet]

plants can do fine without adding fertiliser, they get all their food from fish waste.

fertiliser is also a waste of time in a low light tank, with low co2 levels, lots of fish and just a couple of plants.

in a moderately planted tank with good light, fertiliser can make a huge difference.
plants that otherwise would just survive can start to thrive, and the look of the tank can be improved greatly.

you don't need to go overboard, if you don't have very good lights and add co2, adding lots of fertiliser is a waste of money, and may cause excess algal growth.
a liquid fertiliser or a small amount of solid fertiliser added around the roots of the plants is sufficient.

 

[Da_Oz]

I am with fraservet.

 

[Silly me]

I'll go with the

a liquid fertiliser or a small amount of solid fertiliser added around the roots of the plants is sufficient.

part

 

[chishnfips]

Spot on cheers folks B)