Normal fertilizer for aquatic plants?

Question

Wondering if you could use small amounts of normal fertilizer for aquatic plants instead of those overpriced little bottles you can buy at pet stores. Why or why not?

Answer 1

Don't use the normal fertilizer. You have a couple choices.
The first is that you can use pond tabs or fertilizer. It is safe for fish and usually much cheaper.

The second is check out http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com. They have premixed dry fertilizer that you make up yourself and are a good source of information about plants

You'll also need to do regular water changes to provide trace nutrients or make sure you use the appropriate mix of different kinds of fertilizers. Some plants need additional suplements like Iron to grow or require that you inject CO2 as well.

Then there is also the appropriate amount of light. Different plants require different amounts of light, anwhere from 1-3WPG (Watts per gallon).


Check out the local aquatic gardening clubs too...they are a good source of free or inexpensive plants and advice.

Answer 2

Hold up there a moment partner. Many aquatic plants have just gone from a huge alkaline hard water pond to your dealer - who know what water he had and into your tank. And maybe someone hit those plants with a snail-rid product somewhere along the way. If not, welcome to the world of snails. The shock of all that, it is a wonder they were green when you brought them home. It is not unusual for aquarium plants to drop all their leaves after such treatment, but they can come back up from the roots. If you would prefer, your local Walmart sells aquatic bulbs in the row where the nets and other fish supplies are at. They are in little plastic bags. The plants will sprout from these bulbs. But don't be too shocked if you see prevously planted plants coming back up from their roots before your bulbs sprout.

Answer 3

You can not use them because they contain high amount of nitrates and other chemicals, and would instantly kill your fish.

~ZTM

Answer 4

No,no,no,no,no,no,no,no! You don't need any fertilzer at all!