Do u hav to dose ferts if you're dirted?

I am really considering converting to dirt on my 20 gallon tank. I heard it's a big process but it's worth doing it. Do u have to put ferts in the tank or are you good to go with just the dirt? Im sort of of concerned about this because I have been always fighting algae and heard too much ferts=more algae. Any comments would be helpful......

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy Bingamon on October 17, 2011 at 2:42pm

I don't use ferts at all. But I have noticed on some plants a few leaves here and there with holes. I'm not sure if it's snail damage or potassium deficiency. I also have noticed some of my ludwuigia turning red as it get closer to the light and I don't ever add iron. So the dirt at least for some time (I'm only at about 6-7 months myself) the dirt has everything in it needed.

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Permalink Reply by Keith the Aquatard on October 17, 2011 at 3:36pm

I started using fetz again. I think initially you dont, but as the plants use up the available nutrients in the dirt, I have been adding in liquid fertz. If there is an algae problem, I would say you have an overabundance of nutrients, and would not add more fetz. Wait until your plants get more established and any algae blooms have come and gone, then consider fertz in the dirt tank. That is how I have been approaching it. Hope that helps

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Permalink Reply by Costa Gauci on October 18, 2011 at 7:24pm

No, you don't have to, the waste produced by the fish should supply the plants with a good enough surplus of nutrients for your plants. However if decide you want to you could simply dose once a week with Tropica Plant Nutrition+ which should help the soil in your tank from becoming exhuasted. You may want to have a look at this, I found it to be a great read along Diana Walstad's book:

http://lowlightlowtechplanted.blogspot.com/