Plant Food and Snails

RadMax8

I have an Ivory Mystery Snail in my tank and I want to feed my live plants. The fertilizer I have is API Leaf Zone. It doesn't say it has any Copper in it but I just want to double check. Thanks in advance!

Byron

According to API, Leaf Zone only contains chelated iron and potassium. No copper. And none of the other essential nutrients either.

Many nutrients occur naturally in an aquarium, so fertilizing depends on your water and fish load, plus the plant species. Leaf Zone is not a fert I would recommend, unless it is meant to target a shortage of these two nutrients, and assuming all others are available to the plants. A complete or comprehensive fertilizer would perhaps be better. These would obviously cotain copper, but not in sufficient quantity to harm invertebrates (unless you overdose).

Byron.

RadMax8

Thanks, Byron. I've got some of the API root tabs, and they seem to be a little more complete.

MinaMinaMina

You're right, the root tabs will be good for your swords. Those are heavy root feeders. Should you add in other kinds of plants... like rhizome, stem, floating, etc... you'll need a comprehensive liquid fert, like Byron said. Many of us dose Flourish Comprehensive weekly or twice weekly at recommended strength and have no problems with our shrimp or snails.

Good luck!

P.S. Just in case you didn't know... the "variegated plant" in your tank is not an aquatic plant and will die. So sorry to be the bearer of bad news! But at least you know, and can plan for it.

RadMax8

Mina, yes I know they aren't true aquatic plants. I've been looking around for a suitable replacement. I plan to take the variegated plants out and put them in a planter. Thanks for the fertilizer tips!!!!
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