API ROOT TABS Freshwater Plant Fertilizer, 10 Count

API ROOT TABS are fertilizer tablets that go into the gravel bed of freshwater aquariums. They contain essential nutrients including iron, potassium and carbon. A box holds 10 tablets (model 577C), and a Pack of 2 is also sold.

Who needs root tabs

Plants that feed heavily through their roots, such as Amazon swords, cryptocorynes, vallisneria and lilies, struggle in plain gravel or sand. Root tabs put nutrients right where those roots are. Plants that take nutrients from the water, like java fern and anubias on wood, gain little from tabs.

How to use

API says to add tablets to the gravel bed every month. Push each tablet deep into the substrate near the roots of a heavy feeder, using tweezers or a finger, so it does not float up or leach straight into the water.

Placement tips

• Place a tab a few inches from the base of each large plant.
• For a group of smaller plants, space tabs evenly through the area.
• Push them deep; a tab near the surface can cloud the water.

New and established plants

API says the tabs help new plants start strongly and keep established plants growing. With new plants, add tabs a week or two after planting so roots have started to spread.

Pairing

Root tabs cover the root side. For plants that feed from the water, a liquid like API LEAF ZONE covers leaves. Many tanks use both.

Watching results

Healthy new growth, deeper green leaves and fewer holes are signs tabs are working. If you see algae increase, cut back and check that tabs are fully buried.

Alternatives

Seachem Flourish Tabs are a popular comparison. Choose by plant needs and how often you want to dose.

Keep a simple map or note of where you placed each tab and the date, so you rotate placement and keep the monthly schedule. It also stops you doubling up in one spot.