Guide
Fertilization regimes
Compare the main nutrient dosing methods for planted tanks: philosophy, targets, pros and cons.
Estimative Index (EI)
Estimative Index: high doses of macro and micro nutrients with 50% weekly water changes. The philosophy is to provide excess nutrients to eliminate deficiency as a variable, using water changes to reset concentrations and prevent buildup.
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PPS-Pro
Perpetual Preservation System: calibrated daily micro-doses to maintain stable concentrations without accumulation. Fewer water changes needed compared to EI. Ideal for low-tech tanks and stable setups with low nutrient consumption.
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ADA
ADA method (Aqua Design Amano): proprietary system based on active nutrient substrate, column fertilization with Brighty and Green lines, and frequent water changes. Designed for high-light aquascaping with pressurized CO2.
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Lean Dosing
Lean dosing: only micro-nutrients with targeted supplementation of individual macros based on water tests. Conservative approach for low-tech tanks, setups with nutrient substrates, or high bioload.
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Walstad
Walstad method (Diana Walstad): soil substrate under gravel, moderate light, no or minimal water column fertilization. Plants absorb nutrients from the substrate and bioload. Reduced water changes, ideal for natural low-maintenance tanks.
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Tropica
Tropica method: system calibrated around Premium Nutrition and Specialised Nutrition lines. Moderate dosing with balanced micronutrients. Designed for medium-to-high planted tanks with optional CO2.
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Seachem
Seachem method: modular dosing with the Flourish line. Each nutrient is dosed separately (Flourish, Iron, Potassium, Nitrogen, Phosphorus). Maximum customization but requires more products and careful balancing.
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PMDD
Poor Man's Dupla Drops: DIY solutions prepared from dry salts (KNO3, KH2PO4, K2SO4, CSM+B). Affordable and flexible, born from the DIY community. Daily dosing aimed at maintaining stable concentrations.
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2Hr Aquarist (APT)
2Hr Aquarist (Dennis Wong): APT philosophy (All-in-one Plant Treatment). A single balanced product for macros and micros, focused on simplicity. Three variants: APT Zero (no N/P), APT Complete, APT EI.
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NilocG (ThriveC)
NilocG ThriveC: complete all-in-one fertilizer with balanced macros and micros. Simple dosing with a single product. Available in versions with and without nitrogen/phosphorus for tanks with different organic loads.
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