The Puffer Forum

What do you guys use. I'm a bit bored of low concentrate ferts. With my OCD waterchanges it's getting expensive. Now I could drop my wc regime a little but I am not willing to do that. I have temporarily cut down tank numbers and rehomed a lot of the fish I rehomed over the years including my dps which I was very sad to see go. They went to a work colleague and have a massive tank with so much to do and explore, he has got them for his autistic son who fell in love with them, I couldn't say no. so back to the point lol. I am after high quality and good value.needs to dose around 350g hopefully for less than £20 per month. Thanks guys and gals

have you checked out any dry ferts?

I saw some but tbh don't know enough to know if they are good or not. Plants aren't my thing. I love them but currently use expensive stuff which I don't even know if it's much cop. I need a little guidance. They are the ones you stick in the gravel right? I gravel vac 3x weekly so may suck it out? Basically I don't have a clue. I want to continue keeping plants but want to spend less. Are there undemanding plants that don't need specialist lighting and grow nicely without too much added? I want to save £2000 for my new setup so need to save some ££££s here and there

We use dry, it's so much cheaper.

get your c02 from an old fire extinguisher , that'll save you a few quid

A well planted tank could cost you as much as a coral tank.. research dry ferts from you local hydroponics store and from there you can mix and match.

EI (estimative indexing) is a great tool that you can tweak and adjust. It is an excel spread sheet so you can play with the numbers.

OR..

do what works, and those plants that don't... ditch them...

Here are a couple of dry ferts you should be able to buy locally for very cheap:

For nitrogen, Stump Remover is KNO3
http://www.spectracide.com/Products-and ... mover.aspx
For Potassium, Morton Salt Substitute is KCI
http://www.mortonsalt.com/products/food ... lt_sub.htm

Will check them out thanks for the ideas guys

Does anyone use DIY co2 systems? I have built one but unsure if I should use it or not. Any input would be awesome

I swear by: http://www.yamatogreen.com.

bertie 83 wrote:Does anyone use DIY co2 systems? I have built one but unsure if I should use it or not. Any input would be awesome

C02 certainly boosts growth , you can tell the difference in days ....whats your set up..any pics ??

Love it pp thank you. Just thinking if I run co2 and a good fert I could have an awesome planted tank, I would use very low fert dose and save £££s. Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

I have several setups, most just have decorations. Plants ( healthy) are a new thing to me. I don't want to keep buying to replace dying ones or spend tons on ferts. To cap everything off I have had the worst news anyone can have, so on top of working a full time job, running my own business I have mass stress. So I want to keep lots of plants and leave my wife minimal care on my fish tanks, I feel having plants should reduce maintenance slightly. The small tanks are no hassle , the big two will need some help tho. I can deal with the 2 biggies just need a way of reducing my OCD on the small ones, lots of plants may help. If anything it will reduce arguments.

I have really great luck with anubias. Started with one bunch & now have enough for 4 tanks: 90g, 125g, 46g & 20g, all full of the stuff.