ADA Substrate Fertilizers

Translated from German with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.

Stick of substrate nutrients such as Iron Bottom and Multi Bottom dissolve slowly and therefore provide nutrients to plant roots for a long time. Using stick of nutrients is effective for the long-term maintenance of aquascape and for the growth of Echinodorus and Cryptocoryne which actively absorb nutrients through their roots. Proper use of stick nutrients helps you improve your aquascaping skills.

ADA - Iron Bottom - Multi Bottom - Bottom Release.

In contrast to liquid fertilizers which are quickly absorbed through the plant leaves, stick of nutrients inserted into the substrate is decomposed by bacteria into a form absorbable by aquatic plants before it is taken in through the roots. It is not fast-acting like liquid fertilizer, but it constantly and effectively supplies nutrients to plant roots as it is slowly decomposed by substrate bacteria. To maximize the effect, it is important to use it in the substrate with adequate amount of bacteria. Multi Bottom is a stick of nutrients coated with trace elements which is used for substrates lacking in nutrients. For the substrate on which stem plants are planted, periodical fertilization is effective to avoid lack in nutrients over time. Insufficient iron in the substrate can cause substantial loss of leaf color of Cryptocoryne and Echinodorus species. Iron Bottom is a stick of nutrients coated with iron. It is recommended for the enhancement of leaf color. Long type of Multi Bottom and Iron Bottom are for large aquarium with thick substrate. Proper insertion into the substrate is very important for stick of nutrients and if a part of it comes out of the substrate, the nutrients leach out into water and may cause algae development. Bottom Release is an effective tool for ideal insertion of stick of nutrients which may be difficult in a mature aquarium with dense aquatic plants and stretched driftwood branches. Bottom Release allows the accurate insertion at a preferred location.

Bottom Release – A Useful Special Tool

Bottom Release is a specially designed injector to insert Multi Bottom and Iron Bottom accurately at your intended location for fertilization. It allows the substrate additives to be inserted deeply into the substrate to supply nutrients to plant roots effectively. As its name suggests, this product was inspired by shutter release in photography. Bottom Release is a product of Takashi Amano’s rich creativity as a photographer.

1. You can accurately feel the force pushing in the stick of nutrients. Use of professional tools makes your hobby more pleasurable.
2. There is a fine slit at the tip of Bottom Release. If Multi Bottom or Iron Bottom falls off, tighten the slit slightly.

Using the Leaf Tip Position as a Guide

For the inserting position of stick of nutrients, avoid inserting it very near the main root of Echinodorus or Cryptocoryne plant. Instead, insert it at the position right below the leaf tip. Plants usually take up nutrients through their fine roots rather than the thick main root. As a common feature for all the plants, the leaf tip position can be used as a guide to show the location of the tip of the roots. Remember this as a good tip for planted aquarium.

Quelle und Copyright des Artikels/der Fotos - Aqua Design Amano - ADA