NilocG ThriveCaps Aquarium Root Fertilizer, 60 Count

ThriveCaps from NilocG Aquatics are nutrient capsules placed in the substrate of a planted freshwater aquarium. Each holds 1 grams of a blend of dry Thrive mix, iron rich clay and mineralized top soil. The bottle contains 60 Count caps.

Macros as well as micros

NilocG designs ThriveCaps to include both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and micronutrients. Some root tabs leave out nitrogen and phosphorus, relying on fish waste. In lightly stocked tanks with heavy root feeders, a tab that carries all of them can make a visible difference.

Who should use them

• Amazon swords, cryptocorynes and vallisneria in inert gravel or sand
• Older soil tanks where the original nutrients have run low
• Lightly stocked tanks where fish waste supplies little nitrogen

How to place them

Push capsules deep into the substrate near the roots, using long tweezers. Gelatin capsules sink and stay put. Space them across the planted area, closer together near the heaviest feeders.

Watch the water

Because the caps carry nitrogen and phosphorus, a capsule placed too shallow or dug up by fish can release nutrients into the water and feed algae. Bury them well and test nitrate occasionally after adding a round.

How often

The caps are a long-lasting nutrient source. Add a new round when growth slows or older leaves begin to yellow, rather than on a fixed schedule only.

Related products

NilocG also sells ThriveTabs, a pressed tablet version in a larger bottle, and the Thrive liquid fertilizer for the water column. For a simpler iron and potassium tab, see API ROOT TABS.

Store the bottle closed and dry; gelatin capsules soften in humidity. A small tweezer with fine tips makes it easy to push capsules down without crushing them, and to place them right beside a crown without disturbing the roots of a mature plant.