Do you use dry fertilizer or liquid? Why?

HI everyone,

I have a 10 gallon tank with a couple of plants. The plan is for it to transition to a low light and low tech 'planted tank' over the next few weeks/months.

I was wondering what kind of fertilizer everyone uses - liquid or dry? I'm also interested in what the advantage of one over the other is.

Thanks!

 

I use liquid because my tanks are smaller (under 55 gal) and it's easier for me at this time to use liquid ferts (and I got a big jug of Flourish on sale for very cheap, so it was a good deal). Normally dry ferts are cheaper, but I always considered them more geared towards more demanding setups.

For your low tech, low light tank, it would be totally fine to do liquid ferts. What kind of plants are you trying to grow?

 

I liquid EI dose currently - don't remember what "brand" or whatever but it comes as premixed powdered macro and micro that you add RO yourself. I think I have about six months left, but then I'm switching to dry fertilizer because the fert I use has roughly 6.0 - 12.0 ppm of nitrate and by the end of the week my tanks upwards to 80 ppm. I don't remember exact nitrate level but it's way too high.

If you buy dry ferts that come as separate NPK and micros it's more customizable to your tanks needs. Think I spent $20 on the 2 year supply of ferts I currently use and it was similar price for the dry ferts.

 

I currently have Java moss and Dwarf Sag. I'll probably add Anubias and Java fern. At this point, I'm just trying to see what I can grow with low light and no CO2.

I've heard dry ferts are more cost efficient. I've already purchased Seachem Equilibrium for trace nutrients. I think I'll need to add potassium nitrate and potassium monophosphate.

 

I've never used equilibrium, so can't comment much about that but I did take a look at the analysis and you're right about needing to add potassium nitrate and potassium monophosphate. It's also missing a good deal of trace elements. Since it's low light some of the missing micros will be added through water changes, and you're nitrate and phosphate will mostly be added through fish feedings.

Java moss and Java Fern virtually grow in any condition so long as there's lights and small amounts of fertilizers in my experience. However, you'll have a better chance at success with the Dwarf Sag provided you have a quality substrate,. I've never had much luck with any grass-like plants. I know it's usually listed as a beginner carpeting plant, and I have seen short periods of good growth, it's just never worked for me. Haha!

And yeah, dry ferts are can be cheaper in the long run for sure.

These will be next fertilizers I try.

 

Hello 416...

Low light plants don't need added fertilizer as long as you keep fish in the tank. The fish waste dissolves in the tank water and fertilizes the plants. Plants do require trace elements that come from removing and replacing the tank water regularly. Commercial fertilizers are an added cost and not needed if you keep the easy to grow plants.

Old

 

My dwarf sag didn't do well until I added root tabs - then it was easy to grow and it grew fast.

 

My dwarf sag didn't do well until I added root tabs - then it was easy to grow and it grew fast.

Rub it in... Everyone can grow grass but me. It's not fair.

I can grow crazy red plants, or any plants I've tried for that matter, aside from Dwarf Sag. It's my biggest pain in the rear. Almost had half a 5 gallon of dwarf sag once, then nothing..,

 

Hello 416...

Low light plants don't need added fertilizer as long as you keep fish in the tank. The fish waste dissolves in the tank water and fertilizes the plants. Plants do require trace elements that come from removing and replacing the tank water regularly. Commercial fertilizers are an added cost and not needed if you keep the easy to grow plants.

Old

Thanks. How do plants get trace nutrients from water changes?

 

Thanks. How do plants get trace nutrients from water changes?

There are trace minerals in your tap or well water that include or contain vitamins, proteins (minuscule amounts) that are good for your plants, especially the roots. Think of it like you've got water with nothing in it, and through natural or unnatural processes, small bits and grains of things (both good and bad) are being put into the water.

 

There are trace minerals in your tap or well water that include or contain vitamins, proteins (minuscule amounts) that are good for your plants, especially the roots. Think of it like you've got water with nothing in it, and through natural or unnatural processes, small bits and grains of things (both good and bad) are being put into the water.I live over a natural aquifer, so my water tends to be hard, contains some nitrates, and has a high pH. Naturally filtered water like this is less likely to have toxic chemicals such as pesticides in it, and more things like limestone and minerals.

??

 

There are already trace elements in your tap water. Water changes (with water that isn't distilled or reverse osmosis) will replenish these nutrients as your plants consume them.