Runt Emperor, Co2 Diffusion, Seachem Root Tabs

[RainboWBacoN420]

Hey all,
Just had a few questions about a suspected runt Purple Emperor Tetra, best method for CO2 diffusion and was curious if anyone else has used Seachem: Root Tabs.
I wanted to make a 3 in 1 thread, here.I feel like if I made three seperate threads it would be kind of bothersome to the Tropical Discussion category.

First, the Purple Emperor Tetra I suspect is a runt. He/she looks very odd in shape. The front half of the fish is normal and plump, but the back half is scrawny and thin. They eat well, behave normally, swim normally, but their odd shape leaves me to wonder if they're a runt.

Second, I need better CO2 diffusion... I am SICK of seeing all the bubbles gather at the bottom of the tank in the corner where the circulation of water movement cannot get the bubbles dispersed properly. Now some of the bubbles do get pulled off by the current, and CO2 does get diffused throughout the tank, but I just absolutely hate seeing a collection of bubbles on the surface.

Yesterday I bought some Seacheam Root Tabs. I just planted some in my gravel bed, I'm very impressed with the guaranteed analysis on the back of the package. Hoping to see some results with my plants, most notably my amazon swords. I would really like to see some bushiness and more foliage. Have any of you used them, what do you think?

As always, thank you for reading and I highly appreciate feedback.

 

[Byron]

I can only respond on the Flourish Tabs.  I have been using these for five years now.  I only use them next to the larger plants, like large swords, Aponogeton and Red Tiger Lotus.  I believe they do make a difference.  One advantage is that unlike liquid fertilizers, which would work obviously, the root tabs do not get into the water column, and thus algae is not promoted.  And this is an issue.  I am embarking on an experiment of using the tabs every 1-2 months (instead of the 3-4 months suggested) and cutting back on the comprehensive (which does contribute to algae if dosed beyond the needs of the plants).  Too early yet.
 
Seven years ago I got hold of some Nutrafin Plant-Gro sticks.  I was amazed as the plant's growth with these.  One stick lasted a year.  I have been unable to find these anywhere, online or locally, so I am guessing they may no longer be available.  Shame, as they really did the job.
 
Byron.

 

[NeonTetra97]

On the CO2 diffusion, would it be possible to install a powerhead? I have seen people using the powerheads with venturi (airline) inlets. Hook the CO2 up to that and it will be injected to the outflow of the powerhead. They are super cheap on amazon and not only will it improve the flow and dispersion of CO2 it will increase flow in your tank as a whole (now that could be good or bad depending on your specific setup)

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

On the CO2 diffusion, would it be possible to install a powerhead? I have seen people using the powerheads with venturi (airline) inlets. Hook the CO2 up to that and it will be injected to the outflow of the powerhead. They are super cheap on amazon and not only will it improve the flow and dispersion of CO2 it will increase flow in your tank as a whole (now that could be good or bad depending on your specific setup)

I was going to add a comment against powerheads after I commented, but my phone had died before I could. With the tiny species I have, I don't like the idea of having a fan blade in the aquarium. At my job I've seen pipe fish get shredded because they came in from behind the power head, even with the small vents that guard off creatures from getting harmed.

Earlier today I actually moved the diffuser under the spray and increased pressure on it by capping the end of the spray bar and it seems to have worked! Bubbles still form, but they're better dispersed than before.
I actually saw an item, a CO2 reacter that connects to your canister filters output tube and the CO2 is diffused through the filter! Which I thought was cool, that's sort of what I thought when you said that. My coworker said this was great in theory, but if clogged, the pressure could build resulting in leakage of CO2.

I can only respond on the Flourish Tabs.  I have been using these for five years now.  I only use them next to the larger plants, like large swords, Aponogeton and Red Tiger Lotus.  I believe they do make a difference.  One advantage is that unlike liquid fertilizers, which would work obviously, the root tabs do not get into the water column, and thus algae is not promoted.  And this is an issue.  I am embarking on an experiment of using the tabs every 1-2 months (instead of the 3-4 months suggested) and cutting back on the comprehensive (which does contribute to algae if dosed beyond the needs of the plants).  Too early yet.
 
Seven years ago I got hold of some Nutrafin Plant-Gro sticks.  I was amazed as the plant's growth with these.  One stick lasted a year.  I have been unable to find these anywhere, online or locally, so I am guessing they may no longer be available.  Shame, as they really did the job.
 
Byron.

I never thought of that before, that's great insight. I'm really impressed with how much more the tabs provide rather the Comprehensive. For example: Calcium in Comprehensive makes up 0.14% compared to the Root Tabs that provide 14.9%. Iron in Comprehensive provides 0.32% compared to the Root Tabs that provide 2.2%.
Still... Unfortunately, there seems to be no source of potassium? Don't know why? Maybe so they can push sales on the Potassium supplement? But still, the Root Tabs seems like a much more higher supplementation of Comprehensive.


Thank you both for your inputs.

 

[Byron]

I never thought of that before, that's great insight. I'm really impressed with how much more the tabs provide rather the Comprehensive. For example: Calcium in Comprehensive makes up 0.14% compared to the Root Tabs that provide 14.9%. Iron in Comprehensive provides 0.32% compared to the Root Tabs that provide 2.2%.
Still... Unfortunately, there seems to be no source of potassium? Don't know why? Maybe so they can push sales on the Potassium supplement? But still, the Root Tabs seems like a much more higher supplementation of Comprehensive.
 

 
While potassium is not listed in the ingredients, it is mentioned as being included in the text.
http/www.seachem.com/flourish-tabs.php
 
Byron.

 

[Akasha72]

can you post a picture of the tetra as that might help us to suggest what's gone wrong