Fertilizing With Low-tech Setup

[netcode]

Hey everyone. Got a question regarding my low-tech setup. I am thinking about adding some fertilizer as my plants don't seem to be growing very fast, especially the root feeders as my tank only has 3inches of gravel and no nutrient rich substrate. I am wondering if it would be benefical to fertilize with something if I am not injecting Co2 and my wpg is at 1.3? If so on top of that should I be adding root tabs for root feeders such as crypts and swords?

Also would it be cheaper to get dry ferts and a liquid trace or just one all-in-one liquid fert? I assume with dry ferts you must supplement with trace.

Thanks

 

[Themuleous]

Yes some sort of fert would be a good idea. Root tabs under the swords and crypts would be a good start even with no CO2. My low light swords improved no end after I added some root tabs (the seachem ones are good).

At to the fert I would get the tropica one which is now called plant nutrition. But just get the normal on NOT the plant nutrition + (the plus sign there means it also contains NO3 and PO4, both if which I doubt you'll need in a low light tank).

Sam

 

[netcode]

i was thinking about going the with the dry fertilizers and putting together my own according to EI method. but now that you say i prolly won't need no3 or po4 because of the low light it might just be better to stick with some sort of liquid trace fert.

I wish i could buy the seachem root tabs! none of the lfs's stock them apparently.

 

[juicebox]

ask your lfs if they'll order them for you. or you could always order them yourself.

 

[netcode]

ask your lfs if they'll order them for you. or you could always order them yourself.

order them yourself? through what? i have looked for canadian mail order sites and can't seem to come up with much.. and the ones I do dont' offer the product.

 

[craynerd]

I am thinking about adding some fertilizer as my plants don't seem to be growing very fast,

you should expect this has equally as much to do with:

I am not injecting Co2 and my wpg is at 1.3

than lack of ferts.

I know very little about low-tec tanks, but i am confident that your suggestions of EI dosing could cause algae problems, if you did, you should fertilise to a minimum.

Regards

Chris

 

[netcode]

its kinda one of those things where you gotta cover all aspects of it.

At this point in time i do not have the money to upgrade lighting and get co2 injection. plus I do not want to fiddle around with water stats and disrupt my already settled in fish.

After reading everyones thoughts, I think I am going to get some root tabs and dose a trace fertilizer that contains no N and P as enough (for a low-tech) is prolly provided through fish waste and food.

Thanks for the contributions people