Should i try this for my plants?

I found this on the site for a local breeder and an thinking of trying
what do you guys/galls think?

 

Well, I would think that it depends. My understanding is that the amount of fertilizer needed depends on level of light (high light = more fertilizer), level of stocking in tank (if you have lots of fish you won't need as much nitrogen than if you have just a few), your tap water supply ( my tap water is very low on minerals, but how is yours), the amount and types of plants you have (fast growing plants may use more nutrients), and perhaps other factors I am forgetting. Personally, I chose to get separate fertilizers for Nitrogen, phosphates, and potassium, so that I can adjust the level I add separately - for example: I think I will only need to add nitrogen while my stocking level is low, but once I get more fish, they will take care of that. However, if you do not have the time and inclination to try to figure out the right fert balance for your tank, I would guess you could try this one, and if your plants do better, continue using it, and if they do worse, discontinue, right?

 

I would ask for some info. Specifically ingredients and guaranteed analysis. Is this a macro only mix or does it include micros too?

I'm with Joanne on using separate compounds to adjust to your tank's specific needs. For example my high tech tank uses more than double micros and less than half nitrogen with my current stocking. If I used an all in one product I would have to overdose nitrogen to meet the micro need. Not a good thing!

 

Dena, How did you figure out that you need more micros? I know how to tell nitrogen need and phosphates, since I have test kits for those (though the phosphates one I understand may be inaccurate?). Potassium deficiency manifests as holes in leaves. But how can one tell when more or fewer micros are needed? Can you recommend any reading material for how to analyze nutrient deficiencies in plants? Thanks! Joanna

 

Monitor iron levels for micros.

I don't know of any specific reading materials. There are so many opinions on how to maintain a healthy planted tank. Over the years of keeping plants and finding out what works and what doesn't, in addition to reading everything I could find on the Internet, I have come to my own conclusions.

If you didn't mind the expense there are test kits for just about everything! There is even a test kit for CO2, but it costs around $100 and is not all that accurate. With what I've learned about how phosphates help to buffer the water, I suspect that the CO2 kit doesn't take it in to account. I could be wrong.

Bottom line, experience is the best teacher. Every tank is different and there is no magic formula that works 100% of the time.

 

so ask what is actually in the fert?

 

so ask what is actually in the fert?

Yes. What are the ingredients used and what is the guaranteed analysis.

 

just thought of something I used bone meal and crushed egg shell in my sand would this be bad to mix?

 

Why not just order the ferts you know your plants will need? I would not mess with a all in one product like this when the stuff you need is only $20 and will last you for years unless you have pressurized Co2.
This is what I would get....