substrate fertilization vs. dosing water

plah831

plah831

Am I mod enough?
Apr 29, 2006
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Monterey Bay, CA
I am just getting into aquatic plants more. I've kept a few random ones here and there and they seemed to do fine without any plant-specific substrates. I realize that the importance of them is that they absorb nutrients and allow the roots to absorb them better. I also know that this may not be necessary for all aquarium plants, as many can absorb nutrients with their leaves, right?

Anyway, I just ordered a plant pack from Drs. Foster and Smith. These are the plants included. Please let me know which absolutely need an absorbant substrate and which are fine with diligent dosing added directly to the water.

Anachris
Anubias
Java fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Cryptocoryne
Amazon Sword
Water sprite (Ceratopteris spp.)
Microsword (Lilaeopsis spp.)
Cabomba, green
Broad-leaf Ludwigia, with red undersides of leaves (Ludiwigia repens?)
Narrowleaf chainsword (Echinodorus tennellus)

I already plan on separating plants by light level needed (bright tank, moderate tank, and low light tank).
 
Anachris: floating plant, no roots to absorb through, but can be anchored like a submerged plant.

Anubias: Rhizome is bound to a piece of driftwood or rock, don't bury it. Absorbs strictly through water column.

Java Fern: (See Anubias)

Cryps: Root and column feeders, mine do fine with no rich substrate. If so inclined pick up a pack of Jobes for $2 and go nuts (not really, 1 or 2 should do it in a grove of cryps).

Water Sprite: Floating plant, see Anachris.

Swords: Heavy root feeders, but feed from column as well. Give the amazons each a jobes, and spread a few through your micro/chains.

Cabomba: Column feeder primarily

Ludwigia: Column feeder primarily

I have a base of inert pet shop gravel, and my plants seem to do fine. No need to go overboard with ferts, you'll get a feel for what your tank looks like when it is healthy vs. when it is faltering a bit.
 
I agree entirely with Goatman's post above.
And anyone who's been around this forum for the last 4 years or so knows my take on in-substrate fertilization. It can cause many problems with algae, especially in a newly set up tank where one might be moving/switching around plants and risking disturbing the root tabs/sticks that they've place there.
In addition, IMO they are an unnecessary risk because most plants, even 'root feeders' take up nutrients through leaves as well.

Len
 
Jobes?

House plant fertelizer sticks?
 
I have been using Jobes for years, love em. 1st choice are the fern & palm spikes, 2nd choice are the house plant ones. I also add laterite to the bottom 1/3 of my substrate in some tanks.
 
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