Comparing osmocote and seachem flourish root tabs

[littleking]

I've just finished my last 40tabs bag of Seachem Flourish Root Tabs and I'm looking to restock, but the prices online are a bit steep, ranging from £25 to £30.

After reading some reviews, I found that Seachem Flourish Root Tabs are generally considered good substrate tabs for root feeder plants, but I came across another option that seems to rival it - Osmocote+. This one's a bit different as you put it into a gelatine capsule that dissolves in the substrate over time, and many planted tank enthusiasts think it holds more nutrients than Seachem.

Both options seem relatively affordable and will last a while. Overall, it looks like Osmocote+ might be the cheaper and better option for my plants.

Has anyone else used either of these products, or maybe something else that works even better?

Some background info on my tanks - I've got three, all with different nutrient requirements.

One tank's got co2, EI ferts twice a week, and high output T5 lights (although I'm dealing with some algae issues in this one).

The second tank's got moderate T8 lights, EI ferts but no co2, and it's working out well with no algae and healthy plants.

My little 20 litre low tech tank just gets a once a week dose of Tropica Premium liquid fertiliser, and it's doing great with no algae.

All three tanks have had Seachem Flourish Root Tabs added to the substrate, and I also add Tropica Premium Liquid Fertiliser on the same day as water changes, just in varying doses for each tank.

[boomer]

I wouldn't recommend Osmocote, despite its popularity among some aquarists. There's a thread on this forum, from a few months back, that highlighted the link between Osmocote and algae issues. It turned out that discontinuing Osmocote resolved the problem. The thing is, Osmocote is designed for terrestrial plants, which have different nutrient requirements than aquatic ones. It contains excessive nitrates and phosphorus, making it unsuitable for aquatic use and potentially hazardous to fish. This imbalance can lead to algae growth, depending on various factors.

Personally, I stick with Seachem Tabs, as they're the best option I've found. I used to swear by Nutrafin's Plant-Gro Sticks, but they seem to be discontinued. Those sticks were incredible – one would last a year, and the plants nearby would thrive. I've been unable to find them for the past five or six years, which is a shame.

I only use Seachem Tabs near specific plants that benefit from them. Large swords, aponogeton, and red tiger lotus have shown noticeable improvements with one tab every three months. I also use liquid fertilizers, which I prefer for most of my tanks.

[littleking]

That's really interesting, I wasn't aware that Osmocote is primarily a terrestrial plant fertilizer. I'm a bit confused now, as Tom Barr has mentioned it's worth looking into, although he doesn't use it himself. He does recommend using it sparingly, which makes me wonder if excessive use might be contributing to the algae growth you mentioned. I think I'll have to do some more research on this. Thanks for the insight, boomer.

[boomer]

That's interesting, boomer, I didn't realize Osmocote is a terrestrial plant fertilizer either. Although I'm a bit confused now, Tom Barr thinks it's worth investigating further, but he does recommend using it sparingly. Perhaps using too much Osmocote could contribute to algae growth, as you mentioned.

It's worth noting that Tom Barr is a planted tank aquarist, not a fish hobbyist, and his high-tech approach is quite different. He's had discussions with you on plant issues, and it's clear he recognizes the potential problems with Osmocote, hence his cautionary note.

I can understand your concerns about introducing substances that can throw off the natural balance in an aquarium. In your case, discontinuing plant additives in your largest tank seemed to lessen the problem. It's surprising that the plants are still growing well despite not using these additives.

The idea of using Osmocote as a cheap substrate fertilizer in aquaria is understandable, but it's easy to see how it can cause problems. The closed confines of an aquarium are not like a garden, where nature can moderate excesses. I can see why you wouldn't put Osmocote in a tank with fish, especially with its high nitrate and phosphate levels being an issue for both fish and plants.

[littleking]

Thanks boomer, really appreciate your input, it's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for with some solid reasoning behind it.

[eaglebay]

I've had a pretty good experience with Osmocote, no algae issues in my 55-gallon tank.
I load the Osmocote into gelatin capsules and stick them in the substrate near my heavy root feeders, like crypts and swords.
No problems with algae, can't even recall the last time I saw any.
My BN pleco's been a big help, always cleaning up any stray algae, but since switching to Osmocote about a year and a half ago, I haven't seen any increase.
Actually, I haven't had any algae in that tank since I got him, about five years ago.

[littleking]

That's an interesting point about the BN pleco - do you think it's tackling all types of algae, or just specific ones like green spot algae?
Your experience with Osmocote is a valuable insight, thanks for sharing.
It seems we've got a mixed verdict on Osmocote now, with one user reporting issues and you having a positive experience.

[eaglebay]

Honestly, I've no idea what type of algae my BN pleco is taking care of, it's just gone before I notice it.

[Avalon]

I've been using Seachem Flourish Root Tabs, but I've come across an alternative that seems to be gaining traction - Osmocote+. It's a terrestrial plant fertilizer, and I've read that some folks are using it in their aquariums by placing it in gelatin capsules that dissolve in the substrate over time. I'm intrigued by this option, especially since it seems to be cheaper and potentially more effective than Seachem.

However, I've also heard some concerns about Osmocote+ causing algae issues. I'd love to hear from others who have used this product or have alternative recommendations. I've been using Seachem Flourish Root Tabs in all three of my tanks, and I'm curious to know if anyone has had success with other products.

I should note that I've been using a combination of Seachem Flourish Root Tabs and Tropica Premium Liquid Fertiliser in my tanks, and I've had varying degrees of success. My high-tech tank with CO2 and high-output T5 lights has been experiencing some algae issues, while my low-tech tank with moderate T8 lights and no CO2 has been doing well. I'm always looking for ways to improve my tank's health and growth, so any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[bronco9]

Not having personal experience with Osmocote, I've found Seachem root tabs to be highly effective in my own setup, especially when it comes to promoting healthy growth in sword plants.