View Full Version : What type of ferts should I be using?
laurenrocksth
11-04-2008, 6:09 PM
I have a planted 55g low tech tank. Currently, I'm dosing with excel and some API product called leaf zone. I have no plans to add CO2 and I have a littel less than 2wpg in lighting. Since decreasing my lighting and getting some snails, I have had little to no algae problems. I feel like my plants could be doing a lot better though.
What type of ferts should I be using? I wouldn't mind using dry ferts but I don't know where to get them. If I start a fertilization routine more than what I'm doing now, should I keep using the excel?
jb12288
11-04-2008, 6:15 PM
http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/Store.php?c=94ui40u17agmvjcazabekvbht0x4oufm is a good place to get dry ferts from. I use csm+b plantex, mono potassium phosphate, and postassium nitrate. Some people need to use more according to their tap water parameters.
With your setup I wouldnt really dose anything more than flourish, which is the same thing as leaf-zone, more than once a week. If you have a decent bio-load, your fish and their food should be providing enough nitrate and phosphate, even tap water sometimes contains enough too.
laurenrocksth
11-04-2008, 6:19 PM
Right now I'm dosing the flourish every other day because that's what the bottle said to do. Is that unnecessary? If I am only dosing once a week how much should I dose? Should I be using iron?
jb12288
11-04-2008, 6:22 PM
you can save tons of money with dry ferts
I would just dose them both once a week, but at this point if you want more from your plants upgrade to a CO2 system, pressurized or DIY first before more ferts or light.