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Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your experience.

It's called The Aquascaper Complete Liquid Plant Food. It's manufactured by Evolution Aqua. I've been using it for over 12 months in several scapes. It works well.

Very nice. I like the jungle vibe :)

Yes. I daily overdosed an identical product and my discus were spawning regularly.

I've used the Colombo range a few times with good results. Good price too. Very similar to Tropica Premium and Specialised. I always use their "Pro Special" version with NP added.

I read once that ammonia nitrate is also a preferred source of nitrogen vs KNO3.

Great guide - now a sticky. Thank you.

Yes. But if you don't know what part of your total hardness is Mg, then I would continue dosing as you are. Excess nutrients is better than not enough - most of the time...

Dosing is part of my daily routine. I do it before I have breakfast. I guess I'm so obsessed with this hobby I couldn't forget, even if I wanted to. :)

I wouldn't worry about it. If you're doing EI then the plants won't go hungry, even if you miss a few days (unless you're running incredible levels of lighting, CO2, and have massive plant biomass).

Hi Justin It's worth mentioning that the ADA liquid fertiliser range are designed to be used in conjunction with the ADA substrate system, which compensates for the lean nature of the liquid. I note you're using the ADA substrate system so would start off using your nice ADA bottles first...

It works but it is relatively expensive, complicated to use compared with all-in-one products, and isn't suitable for high-energy systems with big nutrient demands.

They're designed to be used in conjunction with the Elos substrate system which is very rich, hence lean dosing. Same principle as ADA. I used them all. Very effective products. And yes, 1ml per 100 litres. Amazing concentration! Contact Filipe Oliveira for more detailed info.

I believe it's very similar/same composition as Tropica Plant Nutrition+. So the simple answer is "yes".

Personally I'd avoid the Seachem supplements. They're very effective but relatively costly. Profito is a very good product and a popular combo choice with Easycarbo. Although it doesn't contain NP. You could actually keep this, try it out at the dosages mentioned. If you suffer nutrient defs...

I'd go with 4ml Easycarbo and 4ml Tropica Plant Nutrition+ (or similar comprehensive all-in-one fert) daily. You may need to add more as the plant biomass increases, but this is a good starting point, especially as you have relatively low lighting. I'm not sure who told you that dosing N and P...

Hi hoggie Apologies for the delay in reply. I had UKAPS Sponsor, John Whelan from Aquarium Plant Food UK make up a batch for me. I paid £10 for 1 litre worth of dry powder, and I simply added 1 litre of RO water. I believe it's the recipe stated at the start of this thread, just minus the urea...

I have a custom mix now without urea and added KH2PO4. Works great!

Impossible to say without more info about your tank. Lighting? CO2? Substrate? If you're not injecting CO2 then the JBL ferts are ok.

Look at non-CO2 methods here - http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.ph ... O2-methods

Hi Pete and welcome to UKAPS! It does sound like your plants need more nutrients. I believe the Aquastart 320 comes supplied with an 11w PC T5 which is regarded as low lighting for a 28 litre aquarium, but it should be fine to grow your chosen species. For a small aquarium then dosing an...

Hi Mark Glad this has come to a happy ending. Did you try to contact the vendor privately prior to creating this thread, as suggested in the UKAPS Rules and Guidelines? The reason I ask is that I would rather not see UKAPS being used as a vehicle to publicly 'embarrass' retailers into...

Lighting, CO2, substrate, circulation, plant type, biomass, fish load etc. etc. all impact on nutrient load and uptake. Every tank will be different. I've dosed 20ppm NO3 per day before now, to prevent BGA.... :jawdrop Tom Barr will have done some tests. Hopefully he will reply here...

Thanks, Tom and Tobi! :thumbup:

Here's a simple idea. Can we add KH2PO4 directly to a bottle of Spezial N, so we can dose N and P together? I assume the Spezial N isn't already at maximum solubility... One for the maths boffs... How much KH2PO4 would we need to add to a 500ml bottle to obtain 0.1ppm per 1ml solution in a...

Brilliant! Thanks, Tobi. I've pinned this topic now. Lots of great info and discussion in one thread.

That's interesting, Tobi. Sounds like I've been overdosing Micro relative to you. BBA thankfully isn't an issue though. I've stopped liquid carbon dosing altogether in all my tanks now. Do you find folk need more micros with harder water? Or is that not relevant? Thanks for being so...

Thanks, Tobi. :thumbup: What's your AR Flowgrow dosing rate? 5ml per day per 50 litre?

Thanks, Tobi. :thumbup: What Mikros are you dosing, and what source of K+?

Hi Tobi, Is this daily? It's very similar to my dosing, which makes sense. Do you dose P, or any other ferts on top of the N and Mikro?

Please let us know how you get on. All the best.

I'm adding 10ml per day each of N and Mikro in my 240 litre. 2 x 54w HO T5 (PAR 30-50 at substrate), good CO2. 50% water change per week. In my 60 litre I'm adding 6ml of each. High lighting (PAR 70-100 at substrate), good CO2, 2x 50% water change per week. In my 25 litre I'm adding 2ml of...

When I dosed EI a few years ago, I also dosed Epsom salts (MgSO4) to cover any potential lack of Mg (even though my water is hard). I still maintain these ferts are the best I've used. I'm using them in all three of my planted tanks now - two have soil-based substrates, one inert. I'm seeing...

That's brilliant. Thanks, Darrell.

I don't think I understand. If I'm growing some of the healthiest plants I've ever grown in sand alone, with these ferts, surely that's worth saying? Have you considered trying them, Tom?

Hi hoggie You can see the 'before' in my "Evolution Scree" journal. I will update it soon with some new shots, hopefully this weekend.

Tobi sent me some samples that have been distributed amongst friends and UKAPS members. Unfortunately I don't have any left to share. You can buy them from Tobi's shop, linked in my previous post...

Yes. I'm not sure if it's necessary to dose both together but it makes sense for all nutrients to be available together at the same time. Andy - http://www.aquasabi.de/Fertilisers/Aqua ... 43_60.html

These are the best ferts I've ever used (I've tried ADA, Dennerle, Tropica, Easy Life, Seachem, dry chemicals etc.) Greener plants, faster growth, less algae on rocks. I've been using them for around 1 month now. My hairgrass is trying to grow over the rocks - I didn't experience that with...

Check this out - http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.ph ... echy-folks

Well, let's not get into an ADA-bashing thread, please. Their system works very well. However, it does require the user to be on top of issues such as CO2 and circulation. Water changes are another potential contender. In the early stages of using ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia, it does leech a...

I'd look at light/CO2/circulation issues if you're getting algae. It shouldn't matter if you overdose any nutrients. ADA liquid ferts are actually very lean - even the 'Special Lights'.

I don't think you'll notice any real different between the two. Personally I'd go for the CSM+B.

It is better to dose daily. Try to get into a routine. For me I dose first thing every morning, before I even put the kettle on. I've done it that way for so long, it's become a habit and I never forget. If you're really struggling why not set a reminder on your mobile phone?

Yes, it will be very interesting! Thanks, Tobi. You've brought some refreshing discussions to UKAPS.

Thanks, Tobi. So for those that still overfilter, as long as you are adding plenty of nutrients every day, like most of us with hi-energy tanks, then these issues of NO3, PO4/Fe should be fine. And the NO3 issue in particular will be effectively addressed by Spezial-N perhaps...?

Hi Toby Thanks for the info. That's very interesting and I have observed that many very good aquascapes are not overfiltered. We tend to take filtration and circulation very seriously over here. viewtopic.php?f=21&t=11056 What is your opinion of circulation levels? Do any of the Germans...

Thanks, Darrell. I have some questions for you clever folk, please. At the moment I'm using TPN+ exclusively, so the N is purely in the form of Ammonia Nitrate. If I want high light, high CO2 etc. then the danger is too much toxic NH3/4 to deal with such high growth without risking...

Good points, Matt. :thumbup: I've often wondered about Mg and Ca qtys. / ratios and their effects on plant growth. The hard vs. soft water still really interests me. I have to say the best plant growth I've ever had was when I used 50:50 RO/tap (giving me KH 3.5, GH 7). Of course, there's...

Tobi is sending me some fert samples so I will report back soon... The results will be anecdotal as I don't have control tanks etc. but I think I'm experienced enough with plants to notice any changes in growth etc.

This is really interesting. Dan was talking about this on the way home from Hannover and I was fascinted. You certainly cannot deny the results. I've never seen such healthy HC in my life, and I consider my own carpets over the years as quite nice. I don't understand the science too much...

My first call would be our sponsors - Fluid Sensor and Aquarium Plant Food UK.

Great stuff, Tobi! Thanks for sharing. :thumbup: Loved your Nature Aquarium visit lecture too, by the way.

I use Tropica Plant Nutrition+ almost exclusively in all my planted tanks. If I were on a tight budget then I'd mix my own using JamesC's recipe. Dosing ranges from 1 to 5ml TPN+ per 50 litres per day depending on set-up (plant biomass, CO2 and lighting levels). Water change 50% per week.

How does TPN+ manage to contain Fe and P in the same bottle without the clouding issues?

I've just started dosing Easy Life Ferro (5ml per day) in addition to my usual TPN+ (12ml per day) in my 160 litre Dutch tank. FYI 5ml Easy Life Ferro in a 160 litre tank adds 0.16ppm Fe(II). It also adds extra potassium, but I'm unsure how much. I wonder if the extra Fe (and K) will make a...

Thanks, Lisa. :D

I've never dosed Fe as a supplement to what's already provided in a comprehensive all-in-one fert i.e. Tropica or Easy Life. When I dosed dry chemicals I relied on the CSM+B trace mix. However, I am currently running a Dutch tank with lots of stems - some red, so maybe I should consider more...

One is very similar to Profito, the other contains only potassium. If you're already dosing a trace elements mix there's no need to dose Profito or this product.

Looks interesting and reasonably priced. Might be worth considering if you're not entirely confident with mixing your own dry chemicals to produce something similar to TPN+. http://www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/

Garden centres and DIY stores often stock dry ferts in their gardening sections. They have have different names though, so you'll need to look at the labels.

Thanks, Clive and Andy. The reason I ask is for folk that aren't keen on maintaining 'high' CO2 levels, but still want relatively fast growth compared with non-CO2. Does anyone re-call Amano's early tanks (Nature Aquarium Book 1) with claimed 15-20ppm CO2 and lots of lighting i.e. 4 x 20w T8...

5 litres RRP is around 80.00GBP I think, but don't quote me on that.

I like TPN+. I think my tap water helps too, as it's quite rich in N,P, Ca and Mg. I'm just about to start my second 5 litre bottle. The first lasted around 3 years so it's pretty good value unless you're running lots/large aquariums.

@ Tom and/or Clive What's the dosing recommendation for a tank where CO2 is 'limited'? Say I want around 15ppm CO2 instead of 30ppm, because I'm keeping ultra-CO2 sensitive fish, even with high O2.

Great dialogue here, guys. I've split the relevant posts from Paul's journal and pinned them here in the Aquarium Fert Dosing sub-forum for everyone's benefit.

I don't think the Ferka has NP. I may be wrong. If you're running a low-energy set up with good fish load then you may not need it anyway.

Hi Swan and welcome to UKAPS! Before you start to concern yourself with fertilisers you may need too re-think your planting. Five plants is regarded as very few (what plants are they, and what surface area to they cover?) and as a general rule in a planted tank you need to cram it as full as...

With the exception of trace perhaps, I think EI solutions (KNO3, KH2PO4 etc) should last indefinitely.

Yes. :)

Tomato Ketchup is a great source of antioxidants that help promote beneficial bacterial and reduce algae. (That's a joke, by the way).

That should be reported to the forum's mod team ASAP.

Well, that should be enough Easycarbo. Recommended dosing is 2ml per 50 litres per day in heavily planted tank, so you may get away with dosing a little more, but I may not want to risk it with sensitive fish, as it is a toxic product. Have you considered pressurised CO2? In the long-term it...

BBA is usually linked to poor or fluctuating CO2, also linked with poor circulation. In a non-CO2 injected tank water changes can actually induce BBA in my experience. If you are dosing Easycarbo then this should prevent BBA. How much are you dosing in what size tank?

I'd choose Seachem over Tetra for planted aquarium products, personally. Dry chemicals are much cheaper but if you're dosing a smaller tank, or you you find chemicals a little 'daunting' then one of the best all-in-one ferts is Tropica Plant Nutrition or Plant Nutrition+. The '+' version...

Out of interest, can someone remind me how Tropica manage to include Fe and PO4 in one bottle (Tropica Plant Nutrition+) without precipitation/clouding?

Plant sales - I doubt it. Off-the-shelf ferts - perhaps. Making the hobby more affordable can be a very good thing for the retailer. It makes it more accessible and therefore sales from other items will increase i.e. aquariums, cabinets, lighting, substrates, plants etc. There will always be...

As a general guide most plants that are 100% aquatic i.e. do not grow emersed are sensitive to liquid carbon products. Vallisneria and Egeria spring to mind immediately.

Cool! :thumbup:

James has already done Tropica... http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/allinone.htm

There's been some healthy discussion on different methods of fertilising lately. Here's an interesting link that some of you may find interesting - http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... -pmpd.html

Hi Leif As you have suggested, there are products and methods. Products can be used to implement different methods and the two are not mutually exclusive. There are two basic methods - 1. Providing excess nutrients to ensure there's always enough nutrients. EI (Estimative Index) is popular...

Regular to start with, unless you have good CO2 and lots of light. The fish, food and waste will provide plenty of NP.

Even if your fish are 1" long each, you have a total of 21". And most of them will grow much larger than that, if they're not already... I would start off dosing the regular Tropica Plant Nutrition according to the instructions - 5ml per 50 litres per week, and go from there.

You're welcome. And welcome to UKAPS, by the way! I'm no master. There's guys on here far more knowledgeable and talented than I... :oops:

I've not used these. I understand they're distributed by TMC who are expanding their planted tank range. Interesting on the Iodine addition - I'm guessing to help with shrimp, as plants don't need it. Pity there's no NPK product from them. Until a planted tank range of ferts include NPK...

Great posts there by Clark and Matt! A small paintbrush is also effective, so you can literally paint the BBA with the liquid carbon product.

They're perfectly safe!

Sounds like you're missing NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium). With your light, CO2 and planting your plants may be starving of nitrates and phosphates. Profito is an excellent trace/micronutrient supplement but consider dosing EI too. Check out Clive's superb article -...

I don't think it really matters. I always dose my tanks at around 6am on weekdays. Lights don't come on until 3-4pm.

I've used Easycarbo with Blyxa, with no issues. Excel would be the same. It's 100% aquatic plants that tend to be more sensitive to Excel/Easycarbo i.e. vallis and Egeria. For directions on Excel - http://www.seachem.com/Products/product ... Excel.html

I know of a couple of hobbyists that make their own. This link may help - http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... excel.html

I would start with 5ml per day and work up if necessary.

Here you go... viewtopic.php?f=11&t=925

JamesC's experiments with urea and ammonium as alternative sources of N are very interesting.... :wink:

Thanks, Tom. I've tried to explain that folk shouldn't get too concerned with actual nutrient ratios on the PFK forum a few times.

Amazing, James. Thanks for sharing, as always.

Hi, Fertiliser dosing types and qtys. depend on several factors; the biggest being what type of set up you have and budget. Dry ferts are by far the least expensive, but can be daunting for some newcomers to the hobby. Here is a great article on dry fert and Estimative Index dosing -...

It's ok for slower growing set ups that aren't too demanding of nutrients. It only contains potassium and iron, so in more demanding set ups i.e. with higher light and CO2, you may experience deficiencies.

Go for 0.5ml every other day and work from there. If there's no livestock then 50% water change every day isn't really necessary. The ammonia will help to cycle the filter.