Aquarium plants need more than light and water — they need nutrients. Without them, plants stall, yellow and lose out to algae. The right fertiliser is what keeps a planted tank lush and green, and it comes in two forms: liquids for water-column feeders and root tabs for root feeders. This UK guide covers the best plant fertilisers in 2026.
Here are our picks and how to dose them.
- Plants need nutrients — without fertiliser they stall, yellow and lose out to algae.
- Liquid ferts feed water-column and epiphyte plants; root tabs feed heavy root feeders.
- A complete liquid fertiliser suits most tanks; add root tabs for swords, crypts and Vallis.
- Start conservatively and dose after water changes — overdosing feeds algae.
Liquid ferts vs root tabs
Liquid fertilisers feed water-column plants like hornwort, stem plants and epiphytes such as Java fern. Root tabs feed heavy root feeders like Amazon swords, crypts and Vallisneria in inert gravel or sand. Many tanks benefit from both.
Our top picks
Best all-in-one liquid — Tropica / comprehensive fert. A complete liquid fertiliser supplies the macro and micro nutrients most planted tanks need.
Best root tabs — for heavy root feeders. Root tabs pushed into the substrate feed swords, crypts and Vallis directly at the roots.
Best for high-tech tanks — dedicated macro/micro dosing. A separate macro/micro system lets you dial in nutrients for demanding, CO2-injected setups.
How to dose without feeding algae
Follow the label and start conservatively — overdosing feeds algae as readily as plants. Dose after a water change, and increase only if plants show deficiency (yellowing, holes, stunted growth). In a CO2 tank with strong light, plants use more nutrients, so dosing rises. Watch for algae as your signal to ease off.
Frequently asked questions
Do aquarium plants need fertiliser?
Yes — light and water alone are not enough. Without nutrients, plants stall, yellow and lose out to algae. Liquid fertilisers feed water-column plants and root tabs feed heavy root feeders.
What is the difference between liquid fertiliser and root tabs?
Liquid fertilisers dose the water column for stem plants and epiphytes like Java fern, while root tabs sit in the substrate to feed heavy root feeders such as Amazon swords, crypts and Vallisneria.
Will fertiliser cause algae?
Only if overdosed. Nutrients feed algae as readily as plants, so start conservatively, dose after water changes, and increase only if plants show deficiency. Treat algae as your signal to ease off.
— Jaqline Smalling, FishForever
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