Best Fertiliser?

[henryfg]

Hi there

What is the best fertiliser for me to be using on a low-tech soil planted tank? There are root tabs in the soil, but I expect they have expired now (it's been months since I put them in). There is 15w over 35L, no CO2.

Also the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are never detectable, does this mean I need to add some N fertiliser as well? Or more fish? Currently 7 ember tetras and 4 amano shrimp.

I have crypts, dwarf chain sword, ludwigia, H. rosae, a java fern and Pogostemon (except I am not sure how well this will do, might take it out if it doesn't go very well).

I have previously been using plantamin (tetra), but my bottle is running out now, so I thought perhaps it's time to change brand. i hear crypts don't like liquid carbon either, is this true, or is it only excelt hey don't like?

Thanks in advance

Henry

 

[aaronnorth]

If your plants are healthy then there is no need to change.
With it being a low tech tank the plantamin & fish waste/ food should provide enough nutrients.
Crypts are fine with liquid carbon, but they will melt and adapt to the new levels of CO2 when you begin to add it - this is exactly the same for gaseous CO2 aswell.
I wouldn't add it though, there is no need too.

You can leave the water changes for longer which will allow the Nitrate's to build up, but as I said above, if your plants are fine then don't change your method.

There is always Nitrate present, there will be some in your tap water, and forever how long you leave between each water change there has to be a build, otherwise where has that ammonia & nitrite gone?

The test kits are pretty innacurate.

Thanks, Aaron