What is better, root tabs or liquid fertilizer? Though they serve the same function and have many similarities, there are some key differences. Which one should you choose?
For those who are looking for a good fertilizer, there is no one answer. However, the “root tabs vs liquid fertilizer reddit” article offers some helpful information on which type of fertilizer to use.
After all, we didn’t all like chemistry in high school. As a result, all of the chemical language might be confusing when selecting a fish tank Fertilizer.
So, if you have to select between root tablets and Fertilizer in liquid form, which one should you go with?
For root feeders, Tabs at the bottom of the page are preferable, while Fertilizer in liquid form is better for Plants with stems. You don’t have to worry about Tabs at the bottom of the page being underdosed or overdosed. These tabs will endure for months after they are inserted. The Fertilizer in liquid form, on the other hand, will need extreme precision.
This was just a brief overview of these two Fertilizer kinds. We recognize that you will want further information in order to make the best decision possible.
So, let’s move on to the next section and learn more!
Fertilizer in liquid form vs. Tabs at the bottom of the page: A Quick Comparison
You could still be unsure about the best Fertilizer for your aquarium. So, if you had to choose between aquarium root tablets and Fertilizer in liquid form, which would you choose?
We’ve put up a concise summary of their characteristics. This will help you understand their distinguishing characteristics and peculiarities.
| Buy | Image | Fertilizer | Type of Plant | Time on the Shelf | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon is a great place to shop. |   | Tabs at the bottom of the page IN THE API | Plants that feed on the roots | 2 to 3 months | Easy |
| Amazon is a great place to shop. |   | Leaf Zone API | Plants with stems | 3 to 10 years | Difficult |
These were simply two examples of comparisons. Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of the situation.
But first, have a look at the graph below for some more information.
Isn’t it apparent that we’re on the correct track? So let’s go right into the meat of the conversation!
Fertilizer in liquid form vs. Tabs at the bottom of the page: A Head-to-Head Comparison
https://www.aquariumcoop.com/ is a good place to start.
Root tablets and Fertilizer in liquid form have a lot of distinctions. When comparing frogbit with duckweed, this was not the case. We’ll extensively discuss and compare them in this session. This in-depth explanation will assist you in making your decision.
Tank Size
When applying plant nutrients, tank size is a crucial consideration. The amount of fertilizer you need depends on the size of your aquarium. So, let’s see how we’re going to split each of them!
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Assume you’re purchasing a 2-gallon Koller Products container. For this BettaTank, a single root tab is sufficient. Put one root tab for every 30m2 according to a simple calculation. This will assist to equally distribute the nutrients.
It’s also acceptable if you utilize a couple of additional Tabs at the bottom of the page. However, if you use fewer tabs, the plants will not get adequate macronutrients.
Fertilizer in liquid form
Tank size, Fertilizer in liquid form are quite interrelated with each other. For this kind of Fertilizer, the amount you put in has to be accurate.
You’ll need 10ml of Fertilizer in liquid form, for every 1000 liters of water. Similarly, use 0.378ml of Fertilizer in liquid form if you buy a 10-gallon Aqueon aquarium. The capacity of this kind of tank is around 37.8 liters.
Winner: It’s easier to use Fertilizer in liquid form in the big tanks. But remember, you’ll still need Tabs at the bottom of the page for the root feeders. So it’s a tie.
Species of Plant
Species of Plant are the most important factor to consider here. Root feeders and Plants with stems require different types of Fertilizers. Among Tabs at the bottom of the page and Fertilizer in liquid forms let’s see which one’s better for your aquarium plant!
Tabs at the bottom of the page
https://www.2hraquarist.com/ Source: https://www.2hraquarist.com/
Tabs at the bottom of the page are great choices for Plants that feed on the roots. Tabs at the bottom of the page for Vallisneria plants are an excellent choice.
However, you may mix the root tab with Landen Aqua Soil Substrate and plant your plants for a better and faster outcome. This substrate provides a nutritious root system for plants as well as a pleasant atmosphere.
Now, this brings us to the question, what type of plants are Tabs at the bottom of the page good for?
Any plant that takes nutrition by its roots, i.e. root feeders, may fall under this category. Amazon swords, Ludwigia, Japonica, Cryptocoryne Wendtii, and other aquarium plants are only a few examples.
Tabs at the bottom of the page will be the best choice for providing nutrients to these aquatic plants.
Fertilizer in liquid form
Fertilizer in liquid form for root feeders is not a good option, it’s best for Plants with stems. So, let’s check out what types of plant Fertilizer in liquid form is good for?
Aquarium Plants with stems are the best for using Fertilizer in liquid form. Plants with stems have quick growth and they absorb nutrients via leaves. Some examples of these plants are- Coontail, Hygrophila, Rotala, and so on. Fertilizer in liquid forms dissolve in water instantly. Thus, the leaves can quickly take the nutrients from the water.
Leaf Zone API Freshwater Aquarium Fertilizer is one of the bests in the market. You can use this for your aquarium Plants with stems as it elevates beneficial aquarium plants.
Winner: If all of your plants are root feeders, go for the Tabs at the bottom of the page. But if they are Plants with stems, Fertilizer in liquid forms will be the best choice.
Plant Density
It’s possible that having too many plants in your aquarium isn’t a good idea. This is due to the fact that you’ll require a lot of fertilizers, which might alter the pH level. Furthermore, too much CO2 can promote algal development and kill your fish.
As a result, you should keep the number of plants in your tank to a minimum.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Well, how many plants should I put in an aquarium to use Tabs at the bottom of the page?
It’s not possible to pinpoint an exact number of plants. But it’s safe to keep 3-4cm of space between two plants. For a 10-gallon tank, you can have 8-12 plants. This way all of the plants get sufficient nutrients from the Tabs at the bottom of the page. Moreover, there’ll be enough room for the fishes to float around.
Well, we would recommend you to get Fluval Stratum or Seachem Flourite to mix with your Tabs at the bottom of the page. Because these types of gravels offer neutral to mildly acidic pH.
Fertilizer in liquid form
Now you must be thinking about the Plant Density for Fertilizer in liquid form. So, how many plants should I put in the aquarium to use Fertilizer in liquid form?
Plant the Plants with stems 3-4 cm apart as well. This method will let plenty of light inside the aquarium and your Plants with stems will get enough Fertilizers. 10-12 floating plants are ideal for a 10-gallon tank. In this way, your plant will have room to grow!
Too many plants, on the other hand, may raise pH and CO2 levels. This might be harmful to the fish in the aquarium.
Black Diamond Premium Gravel is a good choice of plant mix for Plants with stems. This activated carbon extracts smells, contusion, and impurities for transparent sparkling aquarium water. You can use this to plant the Plants with stems. After that, you’ll only have to properly fertilize it for it to grow properly.
Winner: Fertilizer in liquid form wins this comparison. If you want too many plants in the tank, keep Plants with stems. Using Fertilizer in liquid form in a densely planted tank is easier.
Substrate
https://www.thetyedyediguana.com/
Planting aquarium plants necessitates the use of soil, sand, pebbles, and gravel. This is because fertilizers are combined with substrate first for certain plants. Choosing the correct substrate might be challenging as well. Choosing between flourite and eco complete, on the other hand, might be beneficial. The nutrients are then delivered to the plants through the roots. Let’s explore where this strategy may be used.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Substrate allows the roots of a plant to grow. You must be thinking, do I use substrate for Tabs at the bottom of the page?
Of course, you have to use substrate for Tabs at the bottom of the page. Tabs at the bottom of the page are a soil-based Fertilizer. Hence they need substrate to go into the roots of the plants. This will help to spread the Fertilizers evenly, for faster growth. Moreover, this also helps to prevent the Fertilizer from being exposed to direct water.
Now, let’s move on to Fertilizer in liquid forms.
Fertilizer in liquid form
Fertilizer in liquid forms, on the other hand, dissolve in water. So, the substrate is not a big concern in this case.
You can use Fertilizer in liquid form when the plant is planted only on the sand mix. You don’t have to worry about being precise with the substrate. The plants will take in the nutrients through their leaves once dissolved.
As a substrate, I used CaribSea Eco-Complete and Aqueon Plant Stratum. These substrates might be quite helpful for your aquarium plants. Because they contain all of the necessary trace elements for aquarium plants to thrive.
Here, the winner is the Root tab. Because this fertilizer requires a substrate.
System for injecting CO2
The System for injecting CO2 is required for hi-tech aquarium plants. This regulates and controls the Co2 level. Moreover, it also controls the Fertilizer level.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Tabs at the bottom of the page contain phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, and many other necessary elements. These elements help the plant to grow rapidly and produce CO2. However, it doesn’t reduce the pH level by more than 0.5.
So, should I use Tabs at the bottom of the page when injecting CO2?
Well, you can use Tabs at the bottom of the page while injecting co2. This is applicable only if you have more than 10-12 plants in a 10-gallon tank. But if there aren’t many plants, the CO2 from the Fertilizer will be enough.
Moreover, excessive CO2 can cause rapid algae growth. This is bad for the plants and the fish. So, use co2 injection and Tabs at the bottom of the page together only if you have a hi-tech aquarium.
Don’t be concerned! You won’t have to search far and wide for an excellent CO2 booster. Let’s have a look at our list of suggestions:
Fertilizer in liquid form
Fertilizer in liquid forms work faster than Tabs at the bottom of the page. So, never use Fertilizer in liquid form and co2 together in a low-tech tank. There will be an uncontrollable growth of algae due to excessive CO2. Eventually, it’ll cause the death of the plants and fish.
Winner: Choose Tabs at the bottom of the page in this case, because it doesn’t mess up with the co2 in the water. But that too only if you have root feeders.
pH Level
The acidic components in fertilizers cause the pH level of water to increase and decrease. As a result, the pH level plays a crucial role in choosing how much to use.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Tabs at the bottom of the page generally contain highly acidic elements. This brings up a big question, will Tabs at the bottom of the page increase water pH?
No, not really! If the Tabs at the bottom of the page aren’t exposed to the water, the pH level will stay intact. On the other hand, if exposed they’ll reduce the pH. The pH level will go below 6.2 which is not good for the plants.
Hence make sure the Tabs at the bottom of the page aren’t exposed!
You can watch the following video to understand how to use Tabs at the bottom of the page-
Fertilizer in liquid form
Fertilizer in liquid form directly gets mixed with the aquarium water. So, you might want to know, will Fertilizer in liquid form increase water pH?
Yes, Fertilizer in liquid form increases water pH. But, not to a threatening level. pH level 7.2-6.8 is a good pH level for aquarium plants and fish. Mixing the Fertilizer can sometimes increase the acidic level of the water. But this too to a tolerable 6.2-6.8 level.
As a result, you should only use the quantity specified to bring the pH of the water into equilibrium.
The API Water Test Kit may be used to evaluate the tank’s CO2 and pH levels. It is, however, only intended for use in freshwater aquariums.
Water conditioners like the API Tap and Fluval Water Conditioner are excellent. Every time you replace the tank water, add 2-3 drops of water conditioner. The pH level in the water will be balanced as a result of this.
Winner: Tabs at the bottom of the page are a safe option. You don’t have to worry about messing up the pH level unless they’re exposed.
Purpose
https://www.thesprucepets.com/ is a good place to start.
Fertilizer is required for aquarium plants to develop to their full potential. These fertilizers generate nutrients and CO2 in order to provide the ideal growing environment for plants. These happy plants, in turn, keep the fish alive and healthy!
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Roots tabs are primarily used to provide essential nutrients to root feeders. The nutrients aid plant growth and oxygen production. We must add fertilizers since the aquarium substrate does not contain them. That’s when the root tab comes into play.
Fertilizer in liquid form
These are used to provide nutrients to Plants with stems. You basically mix the Fertilizer in the water and your plant will absorb it. This type of Fertilizer works fast, so you have to be mindful of the portions.
There are so many promising Fertilizer in liquid forms in the market. However, choosing between thrive and easy green can be a tough nut to crack because both of them are super efficient.
Winner: Both fertilizers do what they’re supposed to do. Make a decision based on the sort of tank you have.
Time on the Shelf
Tabs at the bottom of the page and Fertilizer in liquid form have different shelf lives. Also, they have different usage frequencies. Let’s check them out below!
Tabs at the bottom of the page
To begin, let’s see how long do Tabs at the bottom of the page last?
Well, Tabs at the bottom of the page have a limited Time on the Shelf. They last for like 2 to 3 months. After 3 months, they don’t work on plants anymore. Thus you need to replace them with new ones.
You only need to use Tabs at the bottom of the page every month on your aquarium plants. This ensures the proper health and growth of your Plants that feed on the roots.
Moving on, let’s check out the deal with Fertilizer in liquid forms.
Fertilizer in liquid form
You need to use Fertilizer in liquid form once a week or every 2-3 days. This might vary according to the brand type and number of plants. You can read the instructions in the packet for specific instructions.
As for Time on the Shelf, let’s see how long does Fertilizer in liquid form tabs last?
Fertilizer in liquid form has a longer Time on the Shelf than the Tabs at the bottom of the page. It can last up to 3 to 10 years. So, you can use it without having to think about expiry dates. However, do check it once every 3 to 6 months to keep track.
Winner: Undoubtedly Fertilizer in liquid form wins this round. As it has longer Time on the Shelf than the Tabs at the bottom of the page.
Usage
The application of these two fertilizers may differ. So, let’s take a look at this section to learn more about fertilization dose and application.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
Tabs at the bottom of the page come in different numbers varying brand and price. Using the root tab is very simple and easy. So, how to use Tabs at the bottom of the page?
It’s quite simple. It’s suitable for both salt and fresh water. You don’t need to take anything out of the tank, even the fish. There is no need to prepare anything before to fertilization.
Identify the roots first, particularly the weak ones. Then, using a tweezer, position the tabs as near to the roots as feasible. To attach the root tab, you’ll need to dig at least 2-3 inches into the substrate.
https://www.itsafishthing.com/ Source: https://www.itsafishthing.com/
You may get a variety of aquarium tweezer kits that are both robust and easy to use. As a result, you won’t have to worry about accidentally revealing your tabs. Take a look at the table below for some suggestions:
| Price | Image | Product | How’s it doing so far? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place your order right now! |   | Aquascape Tools by capetsma | Multi-functional, high-quality |
| Place your order right now! |   | Aquarium Scissor Tweezers Spatula Tool by Fistoy | Anti-slip clips that may be used in a variety of situations |
Cover the hole with the substrate after burying the root tab. There will be no fertilizer exposure as a result of this. All you have to do now is wait for the tabs to start operating.
If you’re having trouble twisting, try using your palm or a wooden ice-cream stick. Simply place a root tab into the substrate and press it as deep as possible with your hand or a stick.
Finally, replace them with fresh ones once a month. Your plants will not be able to survive if they do not get enough nutrients.
Fertilizer in liquid form
Using Fertilizer in liquid form is a bit tough. This is because you have to follow the instructions very carefully. Now let’s see how to use Fertilizer in liquid form in the aquarium?
You must be quite accurate with your measurements in order to use this. Only 10ml per 1000 liters of water is allowed. Now, using a measuring cup, figure out how much you’ll need. Check your measurements and combine the liquid and water.
Remember the tank should be filled with fresh water. Fertilizer in liquid forms don’t work on saltwater. Also, this process doesn’t require any preparation. You can put the liquid directly in the tank without removing or disturbing any fish or plants.
Flourish is a thriving brand when it comes to Fertilizer in liquid forms. Both of their flourish and flourish excel will give you an exemplary result. So, you should get a clear idea by comparing these two Fertilizer in liquid forms.
Use the cap as a reference if you’re having trouble measuring. Simply add one cap of fertilizer to every ten gallons of water. Using a dosing spoon is another approach to acquire a precise measurement. The Ezy Dose spoon is one of my favorites since it has always helped me acquire exact measurements.
Fertilize the plants every two to three days. The floating plants will perish if this is not done.
Winner: Root fertilizer is quite simple to apply.
So, Tabs at the bottom of the page vs Fertilizer in liquid form: Which One is Better?
We’ll make a choice after considering all of the factors listed above. Let’s take a look at the final breakdown.
Tabs at the bottom of the page
First of all, Tabs at the bottom of the page are very reasonable. They’ll cost you around $20-40. Moreover, they have a very low chance of contaminating aquarium water.
But remember, it works only on plants that have developed roots. Hence you can’t use them for floating plants like Duckweed or Plants with stems. The Time on the Shelf of Tabs at the bottom of the page doesn’t last more than 4 months.
Seachem Flourish Tabs are very effective Fertilizers for root feeders. Also, you can use Osmocote Tabs at the bottom of the page to help slow-growing plants to grow fast. These Tabs at the bottom of the page are the best ones available at a very reasonable price.
Fertilizer in liquid form
On the other hand, Fertilizer in liquid form is a bit expensive. It costs around $30-$100. But they work well for the floating plants. Also, they have a longer Time on the Shelf, almost 3 to 10 years.
But, Fertilizer in liquid forms only work on freshwater aquarium plants. It’s not effective for saltwater plants.
If your aquarium is full of floating plants, this is the right choice for you. Here’s a list of the top quality Fertilizer in liquid form-
| Price | Image | Fertilizer in liquid form |
|---|---|---|
| Shop Now |   | All-in-One Liquid Aquarium Fertilizer Thrive+ |
| Shop Now |   | VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO VIDEO V Freshwater Plant Supplement by Seachem |
These Fertilizer in liquid forms have no toxins and no harmful chemicals. Moreover, you can use them without removing the fishes from the aquarium.
Well, that’s all the information we had about Tabs at the bottom of the page and Fertilizer in liquid forms for you. As you can see both of the Fertilizers serve different purposes. Tab works best for root and liquid one for floating plants. You can also compare these Fertilizers with bud candy or molasses to make a suitable decision.
As a result, you may make your decision based on the plants in your tank.
FAQs
Should you use Tabs at the bottom of the page and Fertilizer in liquid form?
In simple words, yes. You can use Tabs at the bottom of the page and Fertilizer in liquid forms together. If you have root feeders and Plants with stems in your aquarium, use both Fertilizers. Just make sure not to put too much Fertilizer.
How long does it take for Tabs at the bottom of the page to work?
It takes a week or two for the Tabs at the bottom of the page to work on the plants. They last for 2 to 3 months. They help the plant to gradually flourish and grow.
Are Tabs at the bottom of the page enough?
If you have only root feeders like Anubias, Amazon sword in your aquarium, then yes. Tabs at the bottom of the page are enough for your Plants that feed on the roots. But if you have floating plants too, you have to use Fertilizer in liquid form as well.
How often should I use Tabs at the bottom of the page?
To ensure healthy growth, use Tabs at the bottom of the page once a month. Because the substrate used to plant aquarium plants doesn’t contain any essential minerals. So, you have to continuously supply additional nutrients for your plants to live.
Can you use too many Tabs at the bottom of the page?
Though using too many Tabs at the bottom of the page doesn’t cause any harm. But, using 5-6 tabs for a 10-gallon aquarium is enough. You can 2-3 tabs more to give the unhealthy plants an extra dose of nutrients.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you know everything about the Tabs at the bottom of the page vs Fertilizer in liquid form. So, you will be able to pick the ideal Fertilizer for your aquarium.
Use both types of fertilizer if your aquarium has both stem and root feeders. To avoid overdosing the plants, be sure to balance it carefully.
Goodbye till next time, and take care of yourself!
The “how often to add root tabs” is a question that has been asked by many gardeners and farmers. The answer is different depending on what type of plants you are growing, but the general answer is: every 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tags
- can you use root tabs and liquid fertilizer together
- best root tabs
- how to use root tabs
- root tabs aquarium
- best planted tank root tabs