what kind of ferts to use, and how often?

[grannylvsfish]

I do not have co2, and will not be getting any, but do want a few plants in the tank. how would I fertilize hornwort, and Anacharis ? there free floating plants i believe? I know I can weight them down, can I put them under the gravel to?

just a newby trying to learn here :grinyes:

[grannylvsfish]

Please put this in the plant section, I forgot:rolleyes:

[Mgamer20o0]

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/science-aquatic-fertilizing/15225-estimative-index-dosing-guide.html

i would start with half of what they say maybe less.

ferts
http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/ferts.html

that will last you a couple years.

[grannylvsfish]

this was kind of confusing... is there a one tablet that will do all the elements at once? something I can throw in thats good, but not confusing me? this list sounds daunting to say the least LOL!


Fertilizers



Plantex CSM+B 1 lb - $12 For dosing traces and iron
Plantex CSM+B 8 oz - $8


KH2PO4 1 lb - $3 For dosing phosphates
KH2PO4 8 oz - $2


KNO3 1 lb - $2 For dosing nitrates and potassium


K2SO4 1 lb - $2 For dosing potassium


Chelated Iron 10% 8 oz - $9 For dosing iron


CaCL2 1lb - $2 For dosing calcium


Grumpy's GH Booster 2 lb - $7 Contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese. 2 lbs $7. Adds potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese.


Combo Pack. 1 lb KNO3, 1 lb K2SO4, ½ lb each of KH2PO4 and Plantex CSM+B - $13 Shipping on the Combo pack is $5.10

[Mgamer20o0]

Combo Pack. 1 lb KNO3, 1 lb K2SO4, ½ lb each of KH2PO4 and Plantex CSM+B - $13 Shipping on the Combo pack is $5.10

thats what you want.

[Sammie7]

Wait, why are you fertilizing for anacharis and hornwort? Is that really necessary? They are weeds, with or without ferts. :confused: I don't think you'd have to dose macros either.

[grannylvsfish]

Wait, why are you fertilizing for anacharis and hornwort? Is that really necessary? They are weeds, with or without ferts. :confused: I don't think you'd have to dose macros either.

I went to a site that said Hornwort grows well, but will deplete the water and fertilizers are necessary or they will die.

here is the site. read down and it explains it

Easy to Grow. New aquarists find this the perfect plant. Under nearly any type of lights, hornwort survives and grows. Under bright lights, it grows as much as an inch per day. It sucks out fish wastes faster than fish can excrete them. Carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates all go into that fast-growing foliage. It sucks all the nutrition out of the water in six to eight weeks and will often die unless you fertilize it. But in the meantime, hornwort keeps new tanks healthy as a horse without West Nile Fever. Under bright lights, hornwort growing tips often turn reddish.

[Sammie7]

I still think you shouldn't need it. If anything a bit of micro ferts, but not the whole deal. Mine lasted plenty long before I decided to throw it away, since it grew way too fast for me to prune or bother with. The fish waste was enough to sustain it. But I see what they are saying.

[grannylvsfish]

ok, but why not just a plant tab? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4865&rel=1

or plant food in an all in one bottle?

[snickle]

I would agree you probably don't need much. Probably just traces. What are your nitrate readings, as long as you are seeing some nitrates you should be fine with lowlight and no CO2.

If you want easy go with Seachem Flourish.

If you want easy and cheap, get some of the CSM+B. Add 80 grams to a 1 liter bottle and fill with distilled water. Dose 3 ml daily.

[Rex Grigg]

Seachem Flourish provides very little of the Macros.

Plantex CSM provides none.

[snickle]

Seachem Flourish provides very little of the Macros.

Plantex CSM provides none.

Agreed, but with no CO2, low light, the bio-load and those plants, does he need to dose macros?

Maybe K and P, but I would expect the bio-load to provide plenty of N.

[Sammie7]

Agreed, but with no CO2, low light, the bio-load and those plants, does he need to dose macros?

Maybe K and P, but I would expect the bio-load to provide plenty of N.

That's what I was thinking. :confused: