Osmocote question

NewObsession

NewObsession

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Aug 27, 2007
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I went looking for osmocote tonight at Home Depot. They didn't have it but they do have Smartcote. Is this the same thing just different company? I know Osmocote is Scotts, not sure who makes the smartcote, and the is a Miracle grow version of the same thing (shake and feed I think they call it)
All the same thing? Anything in particular to look for on the label? and Lastly, there are a couple different formulations, Osmocote is 19-6-12. I think the Smartcote is 14-14-14. Is there one of the components (ie nitrogen, potash, and I think the other is phosphorous) that is more deirable than the other or one that you DON'T want a high concentration of?
FEED & FORGET® Hanging Basket Food 14-14-14


6781320_E.jpg

Product Description


  • Because hanging baskets and container gardens are in a contained growing environment, they are more susceptible to lack of food, excessive heat and lack of water.
  • The best way to make sure your hanging baskets and containers are spectacular is to give them Smartcote for the right amount of fertilizer at the right time.
  • Feeds for 6-month.
  • Promotes lush, healthy growth all season long.
  • Ideal for hanging baskets, planters, patio pots, window boxes and all container gardens containing annual plants.
  • Works well for houseplants too.
  • Available in sizes from 100g to 2.2 kg.
Guarantee

Total Nitrogen (N) 14%
Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5) 14%
Soluble Potash (K2O) 14%
 
19-6-12 vs 14-14-14 Notice that the Osmocote number have the second number very low. That is your phosphate value. You need that to be as low as possible to ward of unwanted algae among other problems when used in aquariums.
 
So low phosphate, noted. But iother than that, is the smartcote the the same thign as Osmocote i.e can it be used instead? I guess basically what I'm asking is are they all the same thing, slow release fertilizers?
 
The web site for it states "good for 6 months", so I would imagine it to be slow release as well. I doubt I would use it due to the high phosphate.


Unlike a flowering plant of one with edibles on it, aquarium plants generally have no need for phosphate and do not use it.
 
but other than the phosphate level...same thing right? Truth is the one I was looking at wasn't the flowering one, it was just the only one on the website with a decent picture
 
assuming the coating on them is similar (non toxic, lasts long enough, etc.) and that there's nothing potentially toxic in a major excess...

there's nothing wrong with a 14-14-14 ratio. it's probably not ideal considering most plants won't flower underwater but we don't grow aquarium plants in stages to maximize bloom, flower, yield, bud, etc. either.

if i were worried about that ratio (or excess phosphates in general) i'd simply keep an eye on my phosphate level and/or lower my doses to the water column as seen fit.

osmocote itself is wastefully high in potassium as well... so will this be... but it's not typically excess we're worried about for freshwater. using a small pinch of granules to every fertcicle (6-8 granules for osmocote) and using them only at the base of plants that need them will greatly reduce your chances of dangerous excess.
 
coach_z said:
we want low phosphate in a planted tank?
Click to expand...
:huh:

coach_z said:
I try to keep my phosphate as high as possible because it does indeed ward off algae and it also encourages plant growth. i aim for 5ppm of phosphate
Click to expand...
i don't aim for it but mine stay above 4ppm anyway. :raspberry: hehehe
 
Tom Barr where are you? Tom, (considered to be one of the most knowledgeable expert person's for planted aquariums), has recommended the Osmocote+ as a viable substitute to many dry ferts.

On his website, you can find many discussions on plant uptakes and recommended fertilizers. I found a posting about the use of Osmocote on the site, hence my use of it.
 
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