Root Tabs and Fluval Stratum

[Lee Friedmann]

I planted a new tank with Fluval Stratum.  Should I also be adding root tabs now, or so I wait a few months?

[nabokovfan87]

 I would lean towards not using the root tabs right away.  The substrate should have enough nutrients, at least initially, to ensure that you see growth.  Maybe in a few months you'll need to add some.

The idea being, some planted substrates are purely based on CEC, meaning their ability to absorb and hold nutrients, while others like stratum and Amazonia have those nutrients from day 1 already available.  There is a few guides on substrate and finding that information isn't readily available on the packaging.  I totally understand the frustration trying to really know what's marketing and what is in the bag.

I'll send you one via DM, but hopefully some others can chime is as well on the topic!