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Root tab

K

Keshiaking

New Member
Joined
6 Apr 2023
Messages
4
Location
Rochester, Medway
Hi

Which root tabs are the best to use but I want a pack that has alot in the pack to make it worth it.

Flourish tabs u only get 10 in a pack and I have 4 large tanks so I'd be buying them every week if I did that.
 
I am not a big fan of root tabs... that said, If your using inert substrate priming the pump with a couple of months of root tabs in addition to water column dosing might give your plants a head start when setting up a new tank - after that it should be all water column dosing.

I agree with John above, but be careful with Osmocote as they contain a lot of NH4 (Ammonia) depending on the specific type.

Cheers,
Michael
 
John q said:
Good god if you insist on adding root tabs buy el cheapo osmocote tabs off ebay. Just be sure to add them slowly.
Click to expand...
I initially purchased Seachem's root tabs, and later realised that they barely even add anything. I next purchased Tropica's, and later came to the conclusion that I still wasn't happy with the price, and ultimately settled on your comment here - osmocote.

I do, however, feel that the standard gel cap size of #00 is a little large... it packs quite a lot of osmocote balls inside that I do think may be unnecessary. I decided to buy a small bag of osmocote, and separate gel capsules of both #00 and #2, I primarily use the #2 size now, but I might occasionally use a #00 under a plant with a large root structure like swords, tiger lotus or cryptocorynes. So far all good :thumbup:
 
xZaiox said:
I decided to buy a small bag of osmocote, and separate gel capsules of both #00 and #2, I primarily use the #2 size now, but I might occasionally use a #00 under a plant with a large root structure like swords, tiger lotus or cryptocorynes. So far all good :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Now that would be saving money 💰
www.ebay.co.uk

Osmocote Pro 12-14 M Controlled Slow Release Fertiliser Professional Plant Feed | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Osmocote Pro 12-14 M Controlled Slow Release Fertiliser Professional Plant Feed at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
API Root tablets can be crushed and sprinkled under the substrate ,don't need that many when crushed, obviously done at start up. Otherwise slow release capsules TNC or Tropica
 
hypnogogia said:
Tropica nutrition capsules come in packs of 50.

www.aquariumgardens.co.uk

Tropica Nutrition Capsules x 50

Nutrition Capsules is an extra nutrient supplement use tweezers to place the capsule in the gravel, close to the roots of fast-growing plants.
www.aquariumgardens.co.uk www.aquariumgardens.co.uk
Click to expand...
PARAGUAY said:
API Root tablets can be crushed and sprinkled under the substrate ,don't need that many when crushed, obviously done at start up. Otherwise slow release capsules TNC or Tropica
Click to expand...

One caveat with Tropica capsules is that unless they are buried well down into the substrate - probably depends on the coarseness of the substrate - they tend to float. I've solved that problem in the past by poking a couple of holes in the capsules with a needle!

Cheers,
Michael
 
Even better would be Osmocote (or clones) without trace elements, NPK only. However, its not that easy to find.

If you are just using a tiny amount as directed (plus regular water changes), there shouldn't be an issue.
 
John q said:
Good god if you insist on adding root tabs buy el cheapo osmocote tabs off ebay. Just be sure to add them slowly.
www.ebay.co.uk

100 x Plant Food Root Tabs For Your Fish Tank / Aquarium - Amazing Plant Growth | eBay

These root tabs are 100% safe for your aquarium, plus, unlike most others on the market are also 100% snail and shrimp safe. These tablets are used in planted tanks worldwide and are proven shrimp and snail safe.
www.ebay.co.uk
Click to expand...
I have used ebay ones before and wasn't happy as they never popped and left casinings within my sand. But thank you
 
I'll never use those things ever again, can work if you never touch the soil under sand but otherwise, ammonia spike kicks in whenever you move a plant
 
I will be setting up a new scape soon and have some tnc root tabs. I was thinking to sprinkle them on the bottom before putting subtrate (fluval stratum) would you recomend for or against this? Defo dont want ammonia spikes
 
Reference:

Bubbles forming foam

So I'm setting up a new aquarium. I've filled it up till around 1/3 of its height and left it overnight. This morning I noticed that bubbles coming from my plenum are forming the foam in the pictures I've attached. The foam doesn't feel soapy to the touch and dissolved as soon as I pick it up in...
www.ukaps.org www.ukaps.org

Tropica root tabs and surface film

Hi all, I added root tabs yesterday evening during my weekly routine. Tropica type. After I got home today I noted a hazy hue in my tank, drop checker more yellow than normal and I’ll my Oto catfish were stationary. When I angled my spray bar up to create more gas exchange I noted bubbles...
www.ukaps.org www.ukaps.org


Those that 'regret' using osmocote probably used too many. I put one or two 2-3mm pellets under each stem of my more 'difficult plants', maximum 20 pellets in a 90P tank, monthly. (most of the nutrients from osmocote are released in the first 2 to 3 weeks). For many plants, you really don't need to fertilise the substrate - pls ask the Sand Crew 🐚⛱️⛱️⛱️

I suspect one single Tropica capsule contains about 20+ pellets of osmocote and those who had problems may have put the entire package of Tropica root tabs into the tank ALL AT ONCE.

tropica-nutrition-capsules-10-pcs.jpg
 
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