Easy Root Tabs and clown loaches

[Tom G]

So, without fail, every time I insert root tabs into substrate my clown loaches dig them up and play with the dissolving gel caps. They actually seem to really enjoy digging them up. I don’t appreciate the wasted root tab! Anyone else experience this? All the white mess is what once was the green gel cap.

Edited January 15, 2023 by Tom G

[Odd Duck]

With clown loaches in the tank you need to have substrate deep enough they can’t get to the root tabs or use liquid ferts.

It might be a good way to provide enrichment by lightly burying food filled gel caps. Of course that would likely make them even more determined to dig up root tabs. 😆 

[lefty o]

i highly doubt the root tab is wasted. those gel caps are just like what people take as pills. within a minute or two they dissolve enough to release their contents, so your loach is more than likely just getting the capsule itself.

[Tom G]

I know it’s harmless to the fish. I just want to fertilize the substrate, not the water column… and avoid the mess as it dissolves. Guess I’ll just stick with easy green!