DIY Root Tabs!

[bshenanagins]

I am not sure if someone has already made a thread about this, but I was looking through some reviews on Amazon about Seachem's Root Tabs and I found this:
"For how tiny these tabs are, they are way too expensive for me. I have a 72 gallon bowfront tank and I can't possibly afford this name-brand product long term. ++whisper++ I'll tell you what I use instead....

I buy this product:
Size "OO" Empty gel capsules (1,000 qty)
Amazon.com: Empty Gelatin Caps 00 1000 Capsules: Health & Personal Care

and fill it with this product:
Osmocote 2722501 Outdoor & Indoor Smart-Release Plant Food
Amazon.com: Osmocote 2722501 Outdoor and Indoor Smart-Release Plant Food Jar, 1.25-Pound: Patio, Lawn & Garden

... bury it completely to the bottom of your substrate and you get a decent root tab fertilizer for about 1:100th the cost. ++wink++ "

I think thought this was a great idea because the tabs really are expensive and other commercial slow releasing plant foods last much longer. Share your thoughts hope this helps some people I am going to give it a try because my micro swords are suffering

 

[Rcguerra]

A local enthusiast I met at Leu Gardens here in Florida mentioned that Osmocote is very good for Red Tiger Lotus on ponds (emmersed form geared towards reproduction).

I might give it a shot, thank you for sharing.

 

[jetajockey]

I would opt for the osmocote+ since it has micros as well. Only downsides are the spheres look unsightly if uprooted. Also be careful because these ferts use ammoniacal nitrogen, so if you go overboard it can result in an ammonia spike.

 

[bshenanagins]

I would opt for the osmocote+ since it has micros as well. Only downsides are the spheres look unsightly if uprooted. Also be careful because these ferts use ammoniacal nitrogen, so if you go overboard it can result in an ammonia spike.

good point. How many capsules would you recommend for a 40 gallon breeder? I have micro swords, soon acquiring some dwarf baby tears, and hygrophilia angustifolia. Half the tank will be HC and the other half is micro swords and the HA is the background.

 

[jetajockey]

One every 6 inches at most imo, although I don't typically use these tabs as I make my own with clay and dry ferts.

 

[jcolon]

I am not sure if someone has already made a thread about this, but I was looking through some reviews on Amazon about Seachem's Root Tabs and I found this:
"For how tiny these tabs are, they are way too expensive for me. I have a 72 gallon bowfront tank and I can't possibly afford this name-brand product long term. ++whisper++ I'll tell you what I use instead....

I buy this product:
Size "OO" Empty gel capsules (1,000 qty)
Amazon.com: Empty Gelatin Caps 00 1000 Capsules: Health & Personal Care

and fill it with this product:
Osmocote 2722501 Outdoor & Indoor Smart-Release Plant Food
Amazon.com: Osmocote 2722501 Outdoor and Indoor Smart-Release Plant Food Jar, 1.25-Pound: Patio, Lawn & Garden

... bury it completely to the bottom of your substrate and you get a decent root tab fertilizer for about 1:100th the cost. ++wink++ "

I think thought this was a great idea because the tabs really are expensive and other commercial slow releasing plant foods last much longer. Share your thoughts hope this helps some people I am going to give it a try because my micro swords are suffering

Ha..ha, I'll give you slightly better ... Skip the Gel and just freeze tank water into ice cubes, each with about 5 - 6 pellets. Then just shove the cube into the substrate. That'll save you a few bucks more.

 

[Scoot35]

I do the ice cubes and my plants are doing well

 

[phishfriend]

Ok, I'm going to give it a try. Going with the ice idea I think.

 

[bshenanagins]

Ice cubes sounds interesting too but I think the capsules would be easier for me

 

[Rcguerra]

Ice cubes sounds interesting too but I think the capsules would be easier for me

Same thing for me. The aquacubes that I got are small, to dig an icecube under the substrate is like messing up 10%+ of my scape.

 

[bshenanagins]

The only flaw I see with osmocote is lack of iron which really sucks because its not helping my microswords and baby tears but everything else is growing great

 

[phishfriend]

Is there a iron only product?

 

[bshenanagins]

Not that I could find but I guess I'll have to look harder

 

[Mrs.h2012]

Is there a iron only product?

I'm not sure about iron only, but I'm Pretty sure the API root tabs are iron and phosphate only. Osmocote has honestly made my amazon sword explode.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

Ok, I'm going to give it a try. Going with the ice idea I think.

I use the ice cube Osmocote and my plants look awesome. You just have to work very quickly with cubes; the melt in the water pretty quickly

 

[phishfriend]

I actually have this handy dandy gripper/cutter tool




I'v found that it hold one bead easily and I can place them as I chose.

How often is everyone replenishing this stuff in the sub?

 

[bshenanagins]

Osmocote should last for months, In a normal potted plant prob up to a year like the product states but since its constantly saturated I would think that it would release quicker than under normal conditions but someone can correct me I may be wrong. And yes I know the API tabs have iron but I was looking to create my own tabs but the lack of iron is hurting my foreground. I just put in the API tabs because I'm still seeking an iron fert that's safe

 

[abrinn23]

I'm not sure about iron only, but I'm Pretty sure the API root tabs are iron and phosphate only. Osmocote has honestly made my amazon sword explode.

How many of the osmocote pellets do you use for your amazon sword?

 

[Dreamroper]

I actually have this handy dandy gripper/cutter tool


View attachment 163504

I'v found that it hold one bead easily and I can place them as I chose.

How often is everyone replenishing this stuff in the sub?

May I ask where you got your handy-dandy tool? I was just thinking about this today since I have to go almost up to my shoulder, standing on a stool, to get to the bottom of my tank....

 

[bshenanagins]

Prob Home Depot or lowes I've seen them there, although he may have not gotten it there. Check on amazon as well