Homemade root tabs

[lmhicks101]

I’m using Osmocote Plus pearls with HTH pool filter sand. Currently is tucks to put one pearl every inch. I’m thinking of just making my own tabs. Does anyone have any experience doing this and a preferred jell capsule and filling technique? Also how often and how far apart do you place them?

[egruttum]

You can buy fairly cheap gel capsules and gel capsule fillers on Amazon.  They work pretty well.  I fill gel capsules by hand with Osmocote Plus.  Doesn't take very long if you only need like 10-15 at a time.

 

Edited December 26, 2021 by egruttum

[lmhicks101]

@egruttum how far do you space them? 

[egruttum]

I only have a few Amazon swords that need root tabs so I just put them in the roots of each plant about once a month.

[Streetwise]

Duckweed as food.

[lmhicks101]

@Streetwise That’s actually awesome. I can’t understand what he said he added besides pollen. I actually lost all of my duckweed and frogbit in a nitrogen crash a month ago but I had a pothose vine clipping in the tank I took out the week before and one little frogbit was on it and when I put it in a vase to grow out that little bit has about 15 pieces now. Glad I saved it. 

[Diving Aquarist]

I make my own with a similar product. I use 00 size capsules, that is the same size as the ones you buy in the store. I make the tabs by hand, I just fill a small bowl with the fertilizer, put on a podcast or something and just get going. I honestly don't measure the spacing between the capsules, but I avoid putting them unreasonably close to eachother.