does it matter if I use the 1 oz ice cubes (16 to a tray) or smaller cubes ? about 8-12 pieces of osmocote?? new to this thanks, I'm out of my seachem root tabs now.
ice cubes w/ osmocote plus?
- Thread starter Linda S
- Start date
actually after reading the jobes inquiry I think I'll get the gel caps to go with them and store in some tupperware.
what is the spacing for osmocote in a 75 gal tank. how long does one capsule last? What is the re dosing schedule?
Osmocote lasts about a month, sometimes a bit more. Spacing is dependent on plant arrangement. I use regular everyday icecube tray. I put around 5 pellets per cube and then push the cube into the sand near the plants. Others use more pellets, so I think the number of pellets used will dictate how close to the pants you will go.
Jobes Sticks I break into thirds or 4ths and push into soil right next to plant once a month. I don't get all hung up on any special routine as it's too much for me. I feel that close is good enough and if plants show the need for more I pop one in. If not, i add them whenever I can remember to.
Sorry for the non-direct answers.
Jobes Sticks I break into thirds or 4ths and push into soil right next to plant once a month. I don't get all hung up on any special routine as it's too much for me. I feel that close is good enough and if plants show the need for more I pop one in. If not, i add them whenever I can remember to.
Sorry for the non-direct answers.
here ya go, hon. this should make your life easier...
this is my setup for filling the capsules...
here's a visual (end result)...
this is my setup for filling the capsules...
here's a visual (end result)...
I got osmocote plus 00 capsules
Jobes fern and pakm is on my wish list but I'm going with the osmocote in gelatin capsules
Jobes fern and pakm is on my wish list but I'm going with the osmocote in gelatin capsules
sorry... i should have been more clear. there's 3-4 month slow release, 5-6 month slow release and 8-9 month slow release formulas. i suspect the release should be somewhat close to what the package claims, yet slightly accelerated due to the fact we're actually using it directly in water as opposed to a moist soil where i'd think it would degrade/release closer to those approximations. the (gel?) encapsulate seems pretty resilient, so i'd assume probably within a month of the minimum approximations per each formulation should do well for re-application. so... 2-3 months for the 3-4 month formula, 4-5 months for the 5-6 month formula, etc..
of course this depends on application as well. higher temps will increase the release rate. larger, hungrier plants will demand more feed at the roots, so may be able to fed a little more often to keep a steadier supply, etc.. it's all relative. you certainly could use less if say your substrate is only 1/3 planted, you'd only dose 1/3 of the substrate, etc.. all heavy root feeders? do 7-8 tabs per sq. ft. or 3-4 twice as often, etc..
if you do fertcicles with 4-5/8-9 granules, maybe fert monthly as this is a significantly reduced dosage in comparison. each "00" capsule holds maybe 30-60 granules i'd guess (i'm not individually counting them, lol). low light, no co2? just put one under every rooted plant, maybe two, etc.. depending on excel? can do 5-6 per sq. ft. and water column dosing would be less necessary or wait it out until you see signs of deficiency/get a feel for it/monitor your fert levels through testing, etc..
of course this depends on application as well. higher temps will increase the release rate. larger, hungrier plants will demand more feed at the roots, so may be able to fed a little more often to keep a steadier supply, etc.. it's all relative. you certainly could use less if say your substrate is only 1/3 planted, you'd only dose 1/3 of the substrate, etc.. all heavy root feeders? do 7-8 tabs per sq. ft. or 3-4 twice as often, etc..
if you do fertcicles with 4-5/8-9 granules, maybe fert monthly as this is a significantly reduced dosage in comparison. each "00" capsule holds maybe 30-60 granules i'd guess (i'm not individually counting them, lol). low light, no co2? just put one under every rooted plant, maybe two, etc.. depending on excel? can do 5-6 per sq. ft. and water column dosing would be less necessary or wait it out until you see signs of deficiency/get a feel for it/monitor your fert levels through testing, etc..
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thanks doneI don't know what the release time is when I get it I'll go by directions and see how it works and tweak it from there. I appreciate your thoughtful answers and advice, I can't go wrong while you're around.
any time, linda.