Flourish tabs & Sword plants...

ChicoRaton

Se?or Member
Jun 5, 2004
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Idaho, USA
www.hazy8.com
I have an amazon sword that just looks... like it could be doing better. as far as I can tell, this is due to the plain gravel substrate and that I only have fertilized the water column. (this tank wasn't oriinally intended to be planted) so I ordered 2 packs of flourish tabs from big al's which should be coming soon.

My question is this... can I place a tab right underneath the sword plant or will it damage the roots if it's too close? Another idea I had was to break the tabs into smaller pieces and put one underneath all my plants, as my tank has a lot of rocks and driftwood and those don't need to be fertilized. I thought I could be more efficient with "spot fertilization". What do you think?

Thanks,
Chico
 
They won't hurt the roots. Put it to one side or other, and push it down as far as you can. Make sure you remember where you put those things so you don't disturb them until they are spent(2 - 3 months).
I would not break them up. Use the tabs whole.

Len
 
But remember that Flourish tabs are traces only, and what the sword most likely wants is macros. Len would have a fit, but I'd use a couple of quarters of a Jobe's plant spike (IF your gravel is deep enough to bury it/them at least 2" - shallow plant spikes can promote algae blooms - I use them in bare tanks to make green water).
 
Thanks for the advice. Can I get the plant spikes at the hadrware store/nursery or do I have to go to some specialist place?
 
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS............
The sound of Len having a fit!!!

Chico, I can't emphasize the need to plant those things as deeply as possible and then leave them alone, or you'll be writing here in a few weeks with algae bloom issues.

Len
 
djlen said:
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS............
The sound of Len having a fit!!!

Funny, I was visualizing a balloon leaking hot air instead. Hmn.... :bowing:
 
You've been hanging around this forum long enough to know that there's a bunch of hot air coming from this direction........

Len
 
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Mostly from me! :laugh:
 
heh, well I was going to move the sword plant over a few inches, so I'm thinking I'll place 1 small piece of the plant spike directly on the glass bottom, cover it with a thin layer of gravel, place the sword on top, put a flourish tab off to the side, and bury it all with the gravel.

Woohoo! my new bristlenose is finally cleaning the glass... I'm gonna go take a picture:D
 
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