osmocote question

[akagochi]

I'm hearing osmocote is a positive growth enhancer for my planted tank (namely the pesky swords). I understand there are a few different ways to administer the osmocote: coffee sacks, gel caps,.... anyway has anyone tried either one of these methods to administer osmocote, especially the gel caps, I am curious about how safe they are for my fish. Do they (gel caps) dissolve over time and do I need some type of machine to fill these caps? lastly I'm hearing the fruit and veggie osmocote is a winner, but what about the osmocote plus?

Thanks

Kagochi

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm not sure of the different kinds of osmocote over there so I can't help with that. But the way I add it to my substrate is by freezing ice cubes containing the osmocote then pushing them down next to the plants. The ice melts and leaves the fertilizer in place.

 

[jetajockey]

I've done the ice cube method also, but the gel cap method works just as well. There is even a product on the web that is pretty much osmocote (aka slow release fertilizer pellets) stuffed in gel capsules and marketed as a root tab.

I've not used the fruit and vegetable kind either, but osmocote+ is what you want, it has both macros and micros in it. The regular osmocote (not sure about the fruit and veggie) is just N-P-K