API Leaf Zone (18 oz)
$8.64
A cheap liquid, but a limited one: Leaf Zone is essentially iron and potassium, with no nitrogen or phosphorus. Fine as an iron/potassium top-up, not as a tank's only fertiliser.
Pros
- Very cheap and widely stocked — an easy iron and potassium top-up for green, leafy growth
- Chelated iron and potassium keep leaves green; dilutable and easy dosing by the measured cap
- Low phosphate and gentle, so it is shrimp safe with no algae bloom
- A measured cap makes dosing a community tank simple
Cons
- Missing nitrogen and phosphorus — it is really an iron and potassium supplement, not a complete fertiliser
- Plants in a lean tank still need a separate nitrogen and phosphate source alongside it
Score breakdown
Specifications
| NPK | K only (no N, no P) |
|---|---|
| Micronutrients | Iron (chelated) |
| Iron Content | Chelated iron |
| Formulation | Iron/potassium liquid |
| Dose Rate | 5 mL per 10 gal |
| Dispenser | Measured cap |
| Frequency | Twice weekly |
| Phosphate | None |
| Invertebrate Safe | Yes (shrimp safe) |
Alternatives
$28.99 · 90 / 100A
The best all-in-one for a low-tech planted tank: a complete formula with macro and micro nutrients dosed from a pump dispenser. One weekly dose covers nitrogen phosphorus potassium plus chelated iron and trace elements.
$23.94 · 91 / 100A
The premium root tab: a complete formula of over 15 nutrients including nitrogen phosphorus potassium, chelated iron and trace elements, tucked into the substrate for heavy root feeders like swords and crypts.
$17.85 · 82 / 100A−
Complete root tabs at a value price: slow-release nitrogen phosphorus potassium plus micros, shrimp safe. A cheaper, EI-style alternative to Seachem's tabs for heavy root feeders.
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