Fertilizing the water column

[bodine]

I just got done rearranging my 55 gallon and just noticed that I took out all of the stem plants. I really only use this tank as a grow out tank. Since I only have swords, vals, sag and crypts I don't see much need for adding fertilizer to the water column. This seems logical but I just wanted to get some other info before I did anything. Thanks in advance!

[djlen]

What exactly is the question? Do you want to know if you should fertilize? Also, what is your lighting situation, and do you use CO2?
Len

[plantbrain]

All aquariums plants do better when you add nutrients to the water column. Having some iron and a high surface area/porous substrate helps also.
Basically things do best with both sources, not just one depending on the nutrient, but if you had to pick only one, the water column is the better choice for overall plant health.
I add nothing to my substrate, it's just the iron rich flourite, a tad of ground peat, detritus/mulm. I don't even keep swords since they get too big, too fast.

Regards,
Tom Barr