API Root Tabs (10-count)
The cheap, ubiquitous root tab: iron and potassium plus nitrogen phosphorus potassium for substrate-rooted plants. Good value, though lighter on micros and messier than Seachem's.
- +The cheapest way to feed root plants — for swords, crypts and other heavy root feeders
- +Contains nitrogen phosphorus potassium and chelated iron down in the substrate
- +Easy dosing — push a tab into the gravel near the roots every month or so
- +Widely stocked, and shrimp safe once buried in the substrate
- −Lighter on trace micronutrients than Seachem's tabs
- −Tabs break up faster and can cloud the water if they are dug up
These are API Root Tabs, cheap and ubiquitous substrate tabs with N-P-K plus iron and potassium for substrate-rooted plants, 10 to a pack. Good value, though lighter on trace micronutrients and messier than Seachem's tabs.
- Budget root feeding for swords, crypts and other heavy root feeders
- Beginners who want an inexpensive, widely stocked tab
- Inert-substrate tanks needing a root boost
- Water-column plants, which need a liquid
- Keepers who want the most complete trace profile, where Seachem leads
- Tanks where tabs get disturbed often, since they cloud when dug up
We separate what the maker claims from what independent sources confirm, what owners report, and where we are drawing an inference. We do not bench-test products.
- Macro-forward N-P-K with iron
- Insert one tab per 10 to 12 square inches, monthly
- Shrimp safe once buried
- Feeds roots in the substrate
- Lighter on trace elements than premium tabs, and breaks up faster
- Very widely used and stocked; can cloud water if dug up
- The cheap, cheerful root tab: fine for basic root feeding, just lighter on micros and messier than Seachem's
The cheapest way to feed root plants, replaced roughly monthly. Because it is macro-forward and lighter on trace, a heavily planted tank may still want a micro supplement.
- Tabs breaking up and clouding the water if disturbed
- Feeding roots only and forgetting water-column plants
- Relying on it for trace elements it is light on
We do not bench-test this; the assessment synthesises the manufacturer's stated specification and aggregated owner feedback. We give gear and method guidance only. For a fish's specific health or diet needs, consult a veterinarian or an established authority.
About monthly, one tab per 10 to 12 square inches of substrate near root feeders.
A tab was likely dug up or crushed. Push tabs deep into the substrate and avoid disturbing them.
API is cheaper and macro-forward; Seachem is more complete on trace elements and less messy. Either feeds roots.