API Root Tabs (10-count)
$9.95
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.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Lighter on trace micronutrients than Seachem's tabs
- Tabs break up faster and can cloud the water if they are dug up
Score breakdown
Specifications
| NPK | N-P-K (macro-forward) |
|---|---|
| Micronutrients | Iron + limited trace |
| Iron Content | Iron included |
| Formulation | Substrate root tab |
| Dose Rate | 1 tab per 10-12 sq in |
| Dispenser | Insert by hand |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Phosphate | Included |
| Invertebrate Safe | Yes |
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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