Root Tabs

[mr.waffles1842]

What root tabs should iuse? api root tabs? that's all my LFS has...

 

[jcolon]

I use Seachem root tabs .. but I've heard API root tabs are just as good. I don't think you can go wrong IMO.

 

[jetajockey]

any one that has micros and macros in it is fine. I like osmocote+ if cost is a factor, or if you like to DIY, do what I do and make your own.

 

[hippy guy]

Jeta, do you mean make your own plant ferts?

 

[jetajockey]

I mix them myself using dry ingredients.

 

[hippy guy]

Could you pm me the ingredients, or a link to where its at here? It sounds like fun

 

[jetajockey]

Yeah I'll list it here, it's nothing magical or secret The KNO3 amount can be reduced if the tank is sustaining nitrates on it's own, I used a recipe amount that would make sure there are some available but let the plants mostly rely on fish waste.

These are great root tabs made by yours truly with a blend of N P K and CSM+B (that's macros + micros) held together by a very high quality completely raw carbondale red clay (really high in iron).

The rough ingredient percentages are as follows
Clay- 48%
CSM+B 32%
Magnesium Sulfate 8%
Potassium Sulfate 8%
Potassium Nitrate 4%

I'll probably start posting some for sale in the marketplace since I just made a large batch and went crazy with my little teddy bear cookie cutter.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Ooooh teddy grahams... uhh wait... those don't taste like teddy grahams!


I use flourish tabs... but I'm thinking about making some from his recipe. Though, mine won't be in the shape of teddy bears.

 

[hippy guy]

Wow sounds cool!I'm going to look into making this, but let me know when you sell em, I may snag a bit haha

 

[Deckape]

Let me know when the baking is complete. I need root tabs now, but I am afraid I will make some nasty cookies.

 

[ashleynicole]

Rather than make a new thread, may I ask here how often it is suggested to use root tabs?

 

[mr.waffles1842]

go ahead. its still about root tabs.

 

[ashleynicole]

so um.. how often should one use root tabs? LOL

 

[mr.waffles1842]

never used them befor. with my liquid fert, i dosed once a week. im not sure about the tabs.

 

[jetajockey]

I reapply mine every month, but it really depends on how densely planted the tank is and the type of root tab you are using. The kind I use are clay based so they are used up pretty quickly, but if you use something like osmocote it is designed to release slowly over a 6 month period.

I prefer the clay based tabs though personally.

 

[ashleynicole]

I have the seachem flourish root tabs

 

[Coursair]

I plan to add more Osmocote + in about 4 months. My Swords took off after I added it.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I replace my flourish tabs ever 1-2 months, depending on when I realize I forgot to replace it.

 

[Batt4Christ]

I reapply mine every month, but it really depends on how densely planted the tank is and the type of root tab you are using. The kind I use are clay based so they are used up pretty quickly, but if you use something like osmocote it is designed to release slowly over a 6 month period.

I prefer the clay based tabs though personally.

Hey- did you decide to sell some o your homemade tabs?

 

[jetajockey]

Yes, should have something posted about it in the classifieds tomorrow afternoon. =)