I TESTED TWO DIFFERENT FERTILIZER METHODS! HERE ARE THE RESULTS!

Summary

In this video, the creator compares two popular liquid fertilizer methods: the lean dosing method and the estimative index dosing method, testing them in two identical 20-liter aquariums over six weeks. The lean dosing method provides minimal nutrients, resulting in slower plant growth, while the estimative index method doses nutrients in excess, leading to faster growth but more algae. Key findings include differences in plant growth speed, color, and algae development. The video also breaks down the cost-effectiveness of each method, revealing that the estimative index method is much cheaper. Despite these insights, the creator prefers the lean dosing method for its lower maintenance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment compared two liquid fertilizer methods: Lean Dosing and Estimative Index (EI).
• 😀 The tanks used in the experiment were identical, with the same setup, equipment, and plants, ensuring a fair comparison.
• 😀 Lean Dosing uses minimal nutrients, dosing only potassium and micronutrients, while Estimative Index doses all nutrients in excess.
• 😀 Over six weeks, plants in the EI tank grew faster, especially the Myriophyllum mattogrossense, which reached the surface quickly.
• 😀 The Lean Dosing method resulted in slower, more controlled plant growth but kept plants more compact and easier to maintain.
• 😀 Algae growth was significantly higher in the EI tank, with algae on the glass, hardscape, and plants.
• 😀 The Lean Dosing tank experienced minimal algae growth due to the lower nutrient input.
• 😀 Plant colors in the Lean Dosing tank were more vibrant, particularly the Ludwigia Super Red, which had a richer red hue.
• 😀 The Estimative Index tank showed faster growth but less vibrant colors for certain plants like Myriophyllum mattogrossense.
• 😀 The Estimative Index method was significantly cheaper, costing only 18 cents per week, while Lean Dosing cost 77 cents per week.
• 😀 Despite the higher cost, the Lean Dosing method is preferred for slow growth and easier algae management, though both methods have their benefits.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of this experiment?

The main purpose of this experiment was to compare two popular liquid fertilizer methods—Lean Dosing and Estimative Index (EI)—in terms of plant growth, algae formation, plant colors, and cost-effectiveness.

How were the two tanks set up for the experiment?

Both tanks were set up identically, with the same equipment: a 20-liter tank, Chihiros A2 series light running for seven hours at full power, an Oase Filtosmart 60 filter, and a DIY CO2 system. Both tanks also had 3 kg of Aquasoil as the substrate.

What is the difference between the Lean Dosing method and the Estimative Index method?

The Lean Dosing method involves dosing minimal liquid fertilizers, just the necessary micronutrients and potassium, while the Estimative Index method involves dosing nutrients in excess to promote fast plant growth.

Which plants were used in the experiment?

A variety of plants was used, categorized as easy, medium, and advanced. Notable species include *Myriophyllum mattogrossense*, *Rotala wallichii*, *Ludwigia super red*, *Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'*, and *Staurogyne repens*.

Did the plants in the Estimative Index tank grow faster?

Some plants did grow faster in the Estimative Index tank, especially the green stem plants. However, overall, the plants remained more compact compared to what was expected from the extra nutrients.

What was observed regarding algae growth in the two tanks?

The Estimative Index tank developed more algae, particularly green algae on the glass, hardscape, and plants. The Lean Dosing tank, with fewer nutrients, had significantly less algae.

How did plant colors differ between the two tanks?

In the Estimative Index tank, the green plants like *Myriophyllum mattogrossense* were greener, while in the Lean Dosing tank, the plants had better colors, especially the red plants like *Ludwigia super red*, which were more vibrant.

Which fertilizing method was more cost-effective?

The Estimative Index method was more cost-effective, costing 18 cents per week. In contrast, the Lean Dosing method cost 77 cents per week due to the need for bulk purchases of potassium and micro fertilizers.

What impact did nutrient dosing have on plant growth?

The Estimative Index method led to faster growth for some plants, but overall, plants in this tank were more compact than expected. Lean Dosing slowed growth but required less maintenance and trimming.

Did the experiment affect the user’s fertilizer routine?

Despite the findings, the user plans to stick with the Lean Dosing method, adjusting nutrient levels based on plant needs. The slower growth from Lean Dosing means less trimming and maintenance, which is preferred by the user.