Uk Plant Fert Choices

HI all. My new tank is more heavily planted than any I've had before and I like it! I am currently using various ferts but I never find my plants grow much compared to my friend's tank. In my tanks I have:

- anubias
- java ferns
- Amazon sword
- Amazon frogbit (which grows plenty!)
- moss balls
- dwarf hairgrass
- a couple of plants I can't remember the name of...

My tanks both have a sand substrates and are low tech, no co2 etc. These are the ferts I use:
Tetra Plantamin 250ml
Tropica Nutrition Capsules for Aquariums

Thrive is the fert I hear loads about but it's pretty pricey here in the UK. Any advice on how to make my plants happier?

 

I have had success with Flora boost.

 

Tank looks great the slow growth could be lack of co2 as well as the floating plants blocking some of the light.Not familiar with the ferts your currently using. I was going to suggest ThriveC. It may be a bit pricy but if that's the only tank your feeding plants in it should last a while for you. As well as root tabs under all your plants and not just the swords will help them along. Good luck looks very nice!

 

Tank looks great the slow growth could be lack of co2 as well as the floating plants blocking some of the light.Not familiar with the ferts your currently using. I was going to suggest ThriveC. It may be a bit pricy but if that's the only tank your feeding plants in it should last a while for you. As well as root tabs under all your plants and not just the swords will help them along. Good luck looks very nice!

Does Thrive provide CO2 also or will that just be raised by more hours of darkness in my tank?

 

I've been using the pets at home love fish plant food; like your tank I have sand substrate and no co2. The growth is ok-ish on the Java fern and Lobelia cardinalis, the Cryptocoryne has not grown at all.

I think it takes ages for
Marimo Moss Balls to grow

 

I've been using the pets at home love fish plant food; like your tank I have sand substrate and no co2. The growth is ok-ish on the Java fern and Lobelia cardinalis, the Cryptocoryne has not grown at all.

I think it takes ages for
Marimo Moss Balls to grow

Your correct marimos do take a long time to grow regardless of how much you feed them. I reckon mine grow about and inch in diameter every year. On the plus side they are indestructible and need no real care.

 

No need to get Thrive in the UK, try the Aquascaper complete liquid plant food.