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do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 9:53 am
by limeon8
My plants are struggling, and I'm not sure if I should start using ferts or just rely on fish waste. The tank's been running for 3 months, 20 gallons, with a sponge filter and sand substrate. I've got some Anubias and Java Fern, but they're not thriving. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Should I mess with ferts or just wait it out?
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 10:58 am
by timewarp
I'd recommend starting with a basic liquid fert like Seachem Flourish. Fish waste alone might not cut it, especially in a newer tank. Your Anubias and Java Fern are slow growers, but they'll benefit from trace elements. What's your lighting like? Low light plants can still struggle without proper nutrients.
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:16 pm
by aquabass
I've had the same issue before. My 30 gallon with Fluval Stratum and a Nicrew light did way better after adding ferts. Fish waste is great, but it's kinda hit or miss depending on your stocking. How many fish you got in there?
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 1:00 pm
by Ridgely
limeon8 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 9:53 am
My plants are struggling, and I'm not sure if I should start using ferts or just rely on fish waste. The tank's been running for 3 months, 20 gallons, with a sponge filter and sand substrate. I've got some Anubias and Java Fern, but they're not thriving. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Should I mess with ferts or just wait it out?
Sand substrate doesn't hold nutrients well, so ferts are a must. Root tabs near the Anubias roots will help, and a comprehensive liquid fert will cover the rest. Your nitrate level is low, so fish waste isn't enough.
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 2:05 pm
by hazelnut1
I've always used ferts in my planted tanks. Even with heavy stocking, the plants seem to do better with extra nutrients. Maybe start with a half dose and see how they react?
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:49 pm
by fuzzybee
I'm kinda new to this, but my buddy told me to use ferts from the start. My tank's only 10 gallons with a betta and some moss balls, but the plants are growing like crazy. Maybe it's worth a shot?
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 5:31 pm
by kaido9
Fish waste is like free fertilizer, but it's also like eating leftovers every day. Sometimes you gotta treat your plants to a fancy meal, ya know? Get some ferts and watch 'em glow up.
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 6:43 pm
by limeon8
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll grab some root tabs and liquid ferts this weekend. Hopefully, that'll turn things around.
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 10:47 pm
by aquabass
Let us know how it goes with the ferts. I'm curious to see if they make a difference in your setup.
Re: do you use ferts or just fish waste?
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 11:54 pm
by Ridgely
If you're adding root tabs, make sure to push them deep into the sand near the roots. Surface placement won't do much good.