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Seachem Flourish

4K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  freemike 
#1 ·
Thoughts on Seachem's Flourish liquid form vs the Flourish Tabs. And also, if i went with the tabs, are they okay to use in sand?
:dunno:
 
#2 ·
Don't quote me on this, but I believe that root tabs are best for plants with heavy root systems that are planted in the substrate (ie. Various sword plants, Crypts, etc.). Liquid ferts are most useful for plants that feed from the water column (ie. Java Fern/Moss, Anubias, etc.)

Other, more experienced members can correct or add to this info.
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#3 ·
I'm no expert, but that's what I have read and been told as well. If you have plants that only "feed" from the water column there is no need for root tabs. However, if you do have any rooted plants (like swords and crypts like you mentioned) then they do well with root tabs under them. I've also been told for plants that are like vals that you can break up the root tabs and put the smaller pieces around in the substrate a bit more than the whole tabs.. that spread the beneficial nutrients a bit more, and plants like these won't have such a large root system like the swords (because the individual plants are so much smaller) so it gives them easier access to the root tabs.
 
#6 ·
If nutrient fertilization is needed, liquid is better for general purposes. I have maintained tanks with substrate-rooted plants (Echinodorus and Helanthium specifically) with just liquid and the plants were fine. However, adding substrate fertilizers (tabs, pellets) in addition to liquid will cause increased growth in swords and similar plants, as has been mentioned.

I have not experimented with using only the tabs, but I would suspect this might not be sufficient. Plants assimilate some nutrients from the water through their leaves, so these nutrients stuck in the substrate will not do much. I do have one tank with an enriched substrate which supposedly contains these nutrients. I do know that without liquid being added the same as in my other tanks, the plants in this tank did not do well; quite the opposite.

A complete liquid fertilizer, like the Seachem Flourish Comprehensive Supplement, provides all nutrients needed (except oxygen, carbon and hydrogen). There are a couple others that do the same. One of these ponce a week should suffice. But again, with the larger swords (like Echinodorus bleherae, Echinodorus cordifolius, etc) a root tab in addition will benefit.

Byron.
 
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#7 ·
Is fertilizer necessary?

I've been reading a lot about Flourish and am just wondering if this is a necessity with a planted tank or just something to be used if the plants don't look like they're doing well? Thanks.
 
#12 ·
I've been reading a lot about Flourish and am just wondering if this is a necessity with a planted tank or just something to be used if the plants don't look like they're doing well? Thanks.
Plants need 17 nutrients, and all of them do occur naturally in a tank with fish--to some degree. Fish food for instance has everything plants need, so as it passes through the fish and becomes waste, the bacteria in the substrate break it down and the minerals are taken up by plants. Other nutrients can occur in the water from water changes depending upon how hard the water is. And some like oxygen, carbon and hydrogen [water] is just there.

It is possible to have plants growing well without anything being added. But it depends upon the source water, fish load and fish food.

I have very soft water, so right from the start I have to add minerals or the plants just die. The amount needed depends upon the individual factors I mentioned above. For most of us with natural method planted tanks, meaning those that are low-tech relying on nature more than equipment, a basic complete liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Seachem's Flourish comprehensive Supplement is one, Brightwell Aquatics' makes FlorinMulti which is basically the same. These are two i am familiar with, and they are adequate for most of us. If you have very soft tap water, addition hard minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) will be needed as the two products mentioned do not contain enough of these.

Byron.
 
#9 ·
Thanks. I'll have to pick some up next time I'm out.
 
#11 ·
Cool! I'm in Rockledge/Viera. Already ordered the Flourish. Gotta love Amazon prime. lol
 
#13 ·
Thanks, Byron. My water isn't soft, so the Flourish should be fine. Appreciate the info!
 
#14 ·
Just my thoughts even thought I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as most here. I just know that my plants quit dying after I switched from aqueon plant food to seachem flourish comprehensive. My java ferns both narrow and broad leaf have started propagating in the tank. The Wisteria I have is growing like a weed to be honest. I do run DIY CO2, 8 hours of light in 4 hour cycles, and add a dose of excel with water changes. Although I have not tried the tabs because I simply can not get those in my area.
 
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