Using pellet fertilizer as root tabs?
- Thread starter cichlidcichlid
- Start date
Osmocoat has been used by planted aquarist since the 1980's.
Lots of use in the past. It's slow release, it's fine to use about 5 grams per sqft or so for most applications.
Make sure you have it on the bottom of the glass, then cap with sediment. Last about 6-9 months for most aquarium temps. Dissolution rate is fairly constant(temp controlled).
You can also add more later as the aquarium ages(do not add except once every 6-12 months, more will not help), by removing a 1/4 section of the top layer sand and pouring it in, then covering again.
Some used clay(cat litter unscented etc), or clay like soil and add water, mix in the osmocoat and make mud ice cubes, these are inserted into the sediment where they melt and make a lot less mess this way.
Up to you.
Regards,
Tom Barr
Lots of use in the past. It's slow release, it's fine to use about 5 grams per sqft or so for most applications.
Make sure you have it on the bottom of the glass, then cap with sediment. Last about 6-9 months for most aquarium temps. Dissolution rate is fairly constant(temp controlled).
You can also add more later as the aquarium ages(do not add except once every 6-12 months, more will not help), by removing a 1/4 section of the top layer sand and pouring it in, then covering again.
Some used clay(cat litter unscented etc), or clay like soil and add water, mix in the osmocoat and make mud ice cubes, these are inserted into the sediment where they melt and make a lot less mess this way.
Up to you.
Regards,
Tom Barr
I've used it as well, but not in awhile. You have to make sure it doesn't get exposed to the water column but stays buried. Used as decribed above it makes a good alternative to root tabs. Jobe's fertilizer spikes (indoor palm and fern are the best - low phosphates) can be used as well.
Why would low phosphates be preferred or help vs say high PO4's?
I think that piece of outdated advice is an old myth from 1980-1990's.
I add 5ppm 3x week of PO4.
It's the NH4 that should be low in the sticks and far more care needs to be considered for Jobes, as they are NOT SLOW RELEASE.
Green water is common for those with stronger light and that uproot things without care. Not so with osmocoat.
Regards,
Tom Barr
I think that piece of outdated advice is an old myth from 1980-1990's.
I add 5ppm 3x week of PO4.
It's the NH4 that should be low in the sticks and far more care needs to be considered for Jobes, as they are NOT SLOW RELEASE.
Green water is common for those with stronger light and that uproot things without care. Not so with osmocoat.
Regards,
Tom Barr
Which Osmocote NPK ratio is best suited for this application?
I see 19-6-12, 15-9-12 plus 9 other essential nutrients and 14-14-14.
I see 19-6-12, 15-9-12 plus 9 other essential nutrients and 14-14-14.
