camtang Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Can I please have some opinions on JBL root balls, Seachem flourish tabs and API root tabs. Pros and cons of the products or are they much of a muchness? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godly3vil Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 I've always used jbl root balls with great success, never tried the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Same, but I figure if people rate the others why not try them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 I've always used jbl root balls with great success, never tried the others. Agreed. I think in a working aquarium, fish waste is enough to feed the plants but if you're starting it without fish or you want outstanding results, it's best to put something down under the cap layer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 If I wasn't using sand I would agree, but I found with sand poo settles on top and doesn't have the same use for the roots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 Sand sifters and snails can help with that, or just use a coarser grain (1-3mm is nice). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 16, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 In my case I won't be using any sifters and I don't like snails so try to remove them as soon as I see them. I am using a relatively coarse grain, but have used it in cichlid tanks and haven't noticed it ever going down. Hence why I am asking for opinions on these three products Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 I've only ever used JBLroot balls, in fact I am still having to use them even with a huge fertiliser based substrate due to the large sword I have in my tank I've found them long lasting and they work well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amtiskaw Posted September 16, 2013 Report Share Posted September 16, 2013 [i think in a working aquarium, fish waste is enough to feed the plants but if you're starting it without fish or you want outstanding results, it's best to put something down under the cap layer. I disagree. Plants require a broad range of micro ferts, which fish waste doesn't provide. I've had good results with Seachem and the JBL balls. Poke a JBL ball in near a sword, and within a few months you find it surrounded with roots 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted September 17, 2013 Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have only used JBL balls in sand and found them very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted September 17, 2013 Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have used both root tab sticks from Valray and JBL balls. They both stick around for ages. I can't remember if the root tabs cloud the water when disturbed like the JBL balls do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 So the JBL seems to be getting good review so far. How many balls do you add to a cluster of plants? Anyone done any "scientific" tests on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted September 17, 2013 Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 1 JBL ball in the general vicinity of a plant or 2, or a bit of root tab pushed in near individual plants is what I do am not sure if this the scientific thing to do :dunno: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 Was more thinking if you add 2 if you get better growth or more pups pop out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 17, 2013 Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 1 seems to suffice for small swords, just use your better judgement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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