Excel isn't a fert per se, it is a liquid carbon replacement derived from glutaraldehyde. I think the problem was the fert tabs you were adding to your substrate. The only things I ever use in my planted tanks are Excel and Iron if I see the leaves turning light green. I also use clay balls with liquid ferts added around the roots of heavy feeding plants. I depend on adjustment of the light schedule/water change schedule and fish waste to make up for the rest. I would run the lights 8 hours during the time you are home.
Don't get caught up in all of the dosing ferts stuff that you read. The majority of people who keep that type of tank are going for optimal growth of high light plants. If you are happy just to keep plants alive and a nice looking tank it becomes much simper.
Don't get caught up in all of the dosing ferts stuff that you read. The majority of people who keep that type of tank are going for optimal growth of high light plants. If you are happy just to keep plants alive and a nice looking tank it becomes much simper.
