stew

Yet again (after researching lighting) I am confused and bewildered at the complexity of a fishy subject.
How about I just buy a commercial brand of fertiliser and just dose as per the instructions? If that's ok, which one?

nilocg

There is absolutely no problem using store bought fertilizer. The reason many people use dry ferts is because you can customize the dosing amounts not to mention dry ferts are a ton cheaper.

Seattle_Aquarist

Hi stew,

Actually, according to a Washington State Department of Agriculture study started in 1997 and continuing today many commercial fertilizers contain heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, nickel, selenium, and others. Some products have these metals in very high concentrations. This includes some of Scott's Miracle Grow products, the maker of Osmocote. Heavy metals are known cancer causing agents and/or are known to cause health issues in humans.

For me, I will stick with 'pure' chemicals such as potassium nitrate and potassium phosphate. It may cost me a little more but I value the fish and shrimp I keep too much to add heavy metals into my aquariums.

nilocg

Maybe I misunderstood what he meant, I was thinking that he was referring to fertilizers such as seachem flourish or the rootmedic line.

TarantulaGuy

I always recommend going the dry fertilizer route. For a variety of reasons; not only is it typically cheaper than buying bottled ferts over the long run, you can tailor the fert cocktail specifically towards your tank. Plus, (and IMHO the most important reason) making them yourself and figuring out the best ratios promotes understanding of your tank and the way it runs, and it promotes knowledge of how plants take up nutrients. The more you know about the way your plant's and tank functions, the more you can appreciate it, and the more pride you can take in it. I think simply dumping in pre-made ferts promotes a level of ignorance about your tank that can cause problems down the road. And besides, who doesn't like to learn something new in a hobby? That's what it's all about

stew

What about using the idea of using the juice from manure (either neat just the stuff that ouzzes out), or mashing it with water. I can't help thinking natural is best!

Left C

Would you want your fish swimming around in manure water? I sure wouldn't.

Sjb1987

i think the smell would be too much for me..plus you dont know if it would cause an ammonia spike either...

Diana K

I have seen posts that suggest you can use worm castings when you are setting up the tank, under the substrate. Not too much.
Other than that, animal manures are not a good idea in an aquarium.

Since worms eat a lot of dirt and this passes right through them, worm castings are pretty dilute sources of nutrients.

TheFoleys

You should try this and post the vid!
How had you planed on obtaining the manure?
Pets, farm animals, 5 gallon pale with tp?