AmateurAquarist
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2020
- Messages
- 46
Hi everyone, as is often the case, since the beginning I've been using what was originally suggested to me back when I got involved in the hobby, at a pet store I went to. I've never veered away from using Seachem's Flourish / Excel series of products, but lately, I've been wondering if there's something better out there (which is also often the case).
I don't want to "jump ship" just for the sake of change, however, I will say that the 2 big influencing factors in my decision to look for something better are:
1 - As with everything, continuous improvement is a big deal, especially when it comes to life or living organisms. I'm sure a lot of the people here (or all, probably) feel the same way as I do that fish should be cared for, and part of that care is the environment they spent their lives in (the tank)
2 - The Seachem line is just confusing. I found a chart online (I'll attach it here to this point) and it shows the massive tiered and overlapping structure they use, which is for me since I'm not a genius, impossible to follow.
As with many others, I have a busy lifestyle and work schedule, and while I DEFINITELY stay consistent to water changes, quality checks, and love only giving my aquatics pals and plants the very best... at some point, we all have to find that "line" where simplicity meets effectiveness, and call it a day. I don't want to earn a master's degree is fertilizers, but if there's something out there that can be pumped or poured in every few days that WORKS and won't kill my shrimp...I'M IN!
Here's are some of the shortlist contenders I've found to try out...if anyone has other votes for or against, let me know.
1 - Fluval's Gro+ (Fluval's tanks are amazing, not sure here though)
2 - NA's Thrive all in one (expensive, but great reviews)
3 - Aquarium Co-ops Easy-Green all in one (Cory's line)
4 - API's Lead Zone & CO2 Booster combo (seems like a good 1-2 punch)
WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR: One (or 2 max) products that take care of ALL the necessary needs of aquascaping growth, health, and root integrity...without harming the invertebrates.
PS: My tanks are mostly marimo balls, amazon swords, java moss, anubias... pretty standard stuff.
I don't want to "jump ship" just for the sake of change, however, I will say that the 2 big influencing factors in my decision to look for something better are:
1 - As with everything, continuous improvement is a big deal, especially when it comes to life or living organisms. I'm sure a lot of the people here (or all, probably) feel the same way as I do that fish should be cared for, and part of that care is the environment they spent their lives in (the tank)
2 - The Seachem line is just confusing. I found a chart online (I'll attach it here to this point) and it shows the massive tiered and overlapping structure they use, which is for me since I'm not a genius, impossible to follow.
As with many others, I have a busy lifestyle and work schedule, and while I DEFINITELY stay consistent to water changes, quality checks, and love only giving my aquatics pals and plants the very best... at some point, we all have to find that "line" where simplicity meets effectiveness, and call it a day. I don't want to earn a master's degree is fertilizers, but if there's something out there that can be pumped or poured in every few days that WORKS and won't kill my shrimp...I'M IN!
Here's are some of the shortlist contenders I've found to try out...if anyone has other votes for or against, let me know.
1 - Fluval's Gro+ (Fluval's tanks are amazing, not sure here though)
2 - NA's Thrive all in one (expensive, but great reviews)
3 - Aquarium Co-ops Easy-Green all in one (Cory's line)
4 - API's Lead Zone & CO2 Booster combo (seems like a good 1-2 punch)
WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR: One (or 2 max) products that take care of ALL the necessary needs of aquascaping growth, health, and root integrity...without harming the invertebrates.
PS: My tanks are mostly marimo balls, amazon swords, java moss, anubias... pretty standard stuff.