Low Tech Fertilizer advice please

Hi Guys,

Just got back into the hobby after just over a year and a little lost with regard to liquid fertilizers. I have a Fluval Spec V which is relatively densely planted in Flourite and running the stock light (new version) for 11 hours day on a timer with 2 hour breaks. Its been running now for about a month and Ive modified the light to sit closer to the tank surface about 3 days ago. Ive just added seachem root tabs yesterday and have been dosing 2-3drops of Flourish excel almost daily (I've had a horrible time with Crypts and Java ferns in the past on higher doses!)

I am seeing good growth from the ludwigia and crypts, actually trimmed them before taking the photo attached (phot taken today). The Ozelote is growing a leaf every 3-4 days. The Repens were just planted prior to the photo and were grown immersed so I expect them to possibly melt and change colour. The lilaeopsis seems to be barely holding on and hoping the lowering of the lights helps them - but I dont expect them to proliferate.

My question is, considering the low tech setup what would be the ideal low dose liquid fert. I'm not keen on mixing stuff or diy, just something I can dose periodically so preferably a single product for macro and micros. Has anyone tried Scape Complete in a low tech setup?

I've also been using Tetra Plantamin but not sure if its doing anything or if its any good to begin with.

Any feedback based on your experiences would be welcome!

 

I have always had success using Seachem Flourish, and adding root tabs between the stems and other rooting plants.
The root tabs you generally place under the substrate once every 4-6 months, and just forget about them until you need to replace them.

 

Scape Complete works for me

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I also use scape complete-wonderfull product,but sometimes stem plants need extra help in the form of root tabs or osmicote and a dab of Fe.

 

@ Pezulu, thats what Im using now...Excel and Root tabs. Looking for additional source of macros and micros.

@Christiaan Duvenage and Ren. Just to confirm, have you guys been using it in a low tech setup?

Also are there any adverse effects that i need to be aware of? Like dosing Excel at the recommended amount tends to kill certain plants for example or perhaps algae blooms etc?

 

I use scape complete in all my low tech tanks at the reccomended dose, no problems

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Perfect - ordering now

 

dont mean to hijack the thread, would it be worthwhile to use scape complete on a 550L tank? Ive been looking at making my own stuff, but all those fancy combos creep me up, worried I will harm my fish.

 

You'll just use a lot of it

 

i am getting fantastic results with Prof dirk receipe palm fibre and any bal fert (osmcote/) and rusty nails
cap it with gravel

cheapest option only bit messy if you dig around but solveable recap and clean that spot

 

Scape complete works in

Jip works in my low tech setup. I also started out using Seachem (foulrish/excel/root tabs). Moved to all scape products and had no issues. My tank has matured over time and I decreased dosages with no negative effects on plant growth. The only additional from scape is a home made mix of iron chelate that I dose once a week.

 

I just placed an order for scape complete and will post results and feedback after a few weeks

 

Started dosing Scape Complete from Saturday. I decanted some into a smaller bottle and dosing 0.5ml and 4 drops of Excel daily.....time will tell.

 

I think i may be losing my marbles....but since i started with Scape, I've noticed a slowing in the growth process especially the ludwigia brevipes prior to this i had to trim them back in a week now they've stalled a bit. They still producing new leaves but just seem to be struggling a bit. The invitro crypts have also all melted away completely.

I might just stop dosing and see what happens....

 

What I have learned is stability is better than quick change wrt ferts.
Give your tank time to settle before amending

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you mean stay the current course and see what happens?

 

Crypts were probably grown emersed. They'll bounce back submerged soon enough.

 

These were invitro-cups so didnt have root systems. When they melted they turned to a ball of disintegrated mush ....figured there was nothing to come back from there. Usually if they are established and melt, they will shoot back but this was a hopeless case.