Threadfin Geophagus and ferts

[Ashurbarnipal]

So, I recently acquired a Threadfin Geophagus, which I'd heard aren't as bad about messing with plants as other geos and I'm wanting to keep as planted a tank as I can, BUT my research has said that these fish need very clean water, and I'm wondering if anyone here knows how much I can safely dose for ferts with this fish.

Thanks!

[Cermet]

Clean water fish means the ferts must contain zero phosphates and nitrates.

I'd be careful of liquid ferts with sensitive fish - no proff but I have lost fish in the past due (I believe) to adding liquid ferts as per dose instructions - never trusted them since.

I use specific single dose liquid/solid ferts that I under dose to the water - Fe (chelated) , MgS (as epsom salt), K (as in No-Salt) and rarely Zn (as chelated oxide.) I do use root tabs for some plants (again, no nitrates/phosphates in these.)

My two point one seven cents ... .

[Crispy]

I've used roottabs, seachem flourish, and api leafzone in my 55g planted which contains 2 eartheater species (jurupari and redhead topajos) with no noticeable effects on the fish.

[Ashurbarnipal]

I use RODI water, Cermet. Are there any mixes that would just add that stuff in when I do a water change? Like equilibrium?

[Cermet]

I use RODI water, Cermet. Are there any mixes that would just add that stuff in when I do a water change? Like equilibrium?

Best to calculate needs for some things like iron (Fe) since this is toxic if over dosed. Also, nitrates and phosphates in some ferts will be an issue if you have fish. I just dose essentials and hope for the best (works. I dose K, Fe, Mg, and S; all are bought at the standard food store and drug store off-the-self.) However, with RO water, you are missing everything. So adding calcium (besides what I add) for sure and maybe others.

You need a complete mix and I am not sure who sells such a thing. You can read the sticky here and add all the trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mg, S, K, Ca and a few others) yourself or get a standard liquid and supplement what is missing.

First off, you need to check some sites on plant care (many plant suppliers have these posted.)

Here is a starting point - do look at other sites:

http://www.rexgrigg.com/ferts.htm


Then decide what is the best method for the plants you have in the tank - you may only need liquid ferts but some of your plants may need root tabs, too. Next, measure free Fe and be sure the water has enough. Calcium is an issue and saltwater has test kits but I have no idea if they work on fresh - still, maybe not important since most fish food have this. If the tank has a lot of fish, this should provide some, maybe most. Could consider coral added to the sand.

For RO this is a critical issue - if confused, create your own mix of safe items and under add.

[Ashurbarnipal]

Well, seachem equilibrium basically is designed to buffer RODI water for plants. And so far, I've not detected any nitrogenous waste when I use it.

And trust me, RODI water is a far better alternative to my local watersource.