substrat fertiliser

[One_Trick_Pony]

hey guys, i am going to start up a medium plated tank. following some kind of south american theme, will i befit much form adding fertilisor to the substrate or not, it will not be very hevaily planted.

if i would benefit what do you suggest that readily avalbile in the uk?

or should i simply use a liquid fertiliser??

Ceers
OTP

 

[Dubby]

It will definitely benefit having slow release fertiliser in the substrate because several of the South American biotope plants take nutrients from roots.

You could use simple clay as a base to start with or use flourite /laterite.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

are flourite and laterite readily avaliable in the uk, and if so are they expensive?

 

[George Farmer]

I can definitely recommend laterite. You will only need one small pack for your size tank. Rinse it thoroughly and mix it with the lower third of your substrate. If you can afford it a heater-cable would benefit too IMO. I've sent you a PM about substrate which you should find helpful.

Try this link for laterite - It's where I buy mine.

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...=222#product646

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I don't know if they are available in the UK, but I have been using Jobes Spikes in my substrate for several years with good results. If they are available (from garden center type places) the best choice are the Fern & Palm spikes the next best choice are the Houseplant spikes.

I use laterite in many tanks.

 

[Lateral Line]

I don't know these "spike" things, but anything for house plants I'd be wary of. In terrestrial plants, Nitrogen and Phosphorous are usually in short supply and fertilisers for house plants tend to carry either Ammonium salts, nitrates and phosphates.

These are not usually in short supply in a tank and can cause algae problems.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

cheers guys although my newere tnak is 4ft x 1ft by 1ft, any idea how much i would need for that?

 

[George Farmer]

cheers guys although my newere tnak is 4ft x 1ft by 1ft, any idea how much i would need for that?

4 x 1 x 1ft is only 113 litres so a small pack of laterite should be enough. Are you sure that's the dimensions? Seems too long and thin for a regular size.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

well its a juwel rekord 120, its about 39" it is bit of a funny size

 

[George Farmer]

Then definitely go for the small packet. I have a Juwel Rio 125 and used the smaller pack.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

cheers dude