{"id":310,"date":"2021-11-14T05:04:36","date_gmt":"2021-11-14T05:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rootedtank.com\/?p=310"},"modified":"2021-11-14T05:08:33","modified_gmt":"2021-11-14T05:08:33","slug":"low-tech-planted-tank-fertilization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rootedtank.com\/low-tech-planted-tank-fertilization\/","title":{"rendered":"Fertilization Regime for Low-Tech Planted Tanks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fertilization is a vitally important aspect of low-tech planted aquariums. However, it can be difficult to know what fertilizers are best for your particular tank and plants. The following guide will help you create an effective fertilization regiment that promotes the health and growth of your aquatic garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Low-tech fertilizer regime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Low-tech planted tanks require a relatively simple fertilization routine. Once a tank has been established after a few weeks, the routine involves dosing all-in-one liquid fertilizer once or twice per week, and root tabs once per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the root tabs and liquid fertilizers are sold by a variety of companies. Although each company’s fertilizer contains slightly different composition from the rest, they will all allow aquarists to successfully grow plants in a low-tech environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertilization before a tank has been established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once a low-tech planted aquarium has been established, it usually only takes a small amount of work once-per-week to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, I recommend conducting more frequent water changes and fertilization dosing during the first three weeks so the plants can start growing roots, acclimate to the water conditions, and start consuming nutrients in larger quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this initial 3-week period while the plants are not fully established, opportunistic algae will start to take over the tank by consuming excess light and nutrients. As a result, a more rigorous maintenance routine at the beginning will help to prevent algae growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is my suggested fertilization process for the first three weeks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First three weeks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, let’s assume our new tank has a “baseline” set up. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n