Knowledge base
Fertilization regimes
Compare the main nutrient dosing methods for planted tanks: philosophy, targets, pros and cons.
Find your approach
The right method starts with your tank
Light, CO2, plant mass, and the time you have for maintenance matter more than a protocol's name. Compare dosing, water changes, and level of control to find the balance that fits your routine.
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime
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.
Explore regime