Pondtabbs 60ct Tablets (by weight).  NOTE:  We check every bottle prior to shipping to ensure that the tablets are still solid. That said, they can and do get jostled and shaken a bit during the shipping process, so there still may be some powder/irregular tabs by the time they reach their mailing destination.  This is unavoidable.  Please look closely at all photos for more product details.

Introduced in 1991 after approximately two years of research and field testing, this product immediately became the standard for aquatic fertilization.  PONDTABBS water soluble tablets combine controlled nitrogen release with rapid nutrient availability in a form which provides optimum feeding for all your aquatic plants.  When used as directed this product will not affect algae growth or have any negative effect on fish.  It is recommended that you feed your plants monthly during the growing season at a rate of one tablet per gallon of soil.  When the water temperature rises above 72 degrees feeding should be increased to every two weeks.  Insert PONDTABBS with your finger deep into the soil, three inches away from the crown of the plant.  When using multiple tablets, space uniformly around the plant.  Nutrients will start to release within five minutes.

Tablets are designed to fall apart in the presence of moisture!  Similar to human vitamins, Pondtabbs are in the form of a compressed tablet; however, unlike human vitamins, they are not coated with a capsule or sugar-coating.  Since Pondtabbs are designed to dissolve in water, any moisture or humidity on (or near) the tablets will begin the dissolving/decompressing process.  On the days that you want to fertilize your plant(s), we recommend pouring out the exact number of tablets that you need from the bottle then re-capping the bottle quickly to avoid any moisture/humidity from getting into the bottle.  Tablets must be stored in a cool, dry location.  They will not hold their tablet form for very long if they are kept in a sunny, hot, or humid location.  (If the tablets eventually turn into a bottle of fertilizer powder, keep it!  You can use this powder to mix into the bottom layer of soil for whenever you need/want to repot your pond plants!)

How much is 1 gallon of soil?  Many waterlily-lotus growers start with the above-prescribed amount of 1 tablet per gallon of soil, but how much is 1 gallon of soil?  Please note the "1 gallon of soil" is NOT the same as one gallon of liquid!  Imagine a standard azalea pot that is 8" in diameter at the top, 5 1/2" tall, and 5 1/2" wide at the bottom... that is considered "1 gallon" when it comes to plant nursery terminology.  So when the instructions say 1 tablet per gallon of soil... don't think of the size as "gallons of milk", try to visualize it in nursery terms!  Also, you are fertilizing based on gallons of soil, not the number of gallons of water in your pond!

Why only "1 tablet per gallon of soil"?  Just like in humans, too much of a good thing can actually be bad!  Over-fertilizing your waterplants can lead to root burn, and even death.  If your waterlily/water plant pot is an 8" pot, it's best to start with just 1 tablet.  Assuming that your plant is in it's growing season, if after a week or two you don't see any new growth or stronger leaves (and everything else is optimum, such as water temp and amount of sunlight), then you can try increasing to 2 tablets (placed at opposite sides of the pot) at the next feeding time.  If after the second feeding, the plant still hasn't responded, it might be time for your plant to be re-potted with fresh soil.  

NOTE:  Fertilizing your waterplants does require a bit of trial and error... some plants grow very vigorously and require more fertilizer, while others grow slowly and use less.  Let your plant guide you... and definitely consult local growers in your area that can guide you based on your local growing conditions.

Where do I put the tablet?  We tell folks to use the "1-finger rule".  Measure 1 finger-length (about 3") away from the crown (where the new baby leaves sprout from), and push the tablet down into the soil 1-finger deep (about 3").  Placing the tablet any closer to the crown will risk root-burn, and can even damage/kill your main tuber.  If your plant is in a tiny pot, you might want to break/cut the tablet into smaller pieces and push the pieces into the soil in multiple spots instead of just one spot.  If your plant is so root-bound that you cannot push your finger/tablet into the soil, then you should consider repotting your plant.  Root-bound lilies generally do not absorb nutrients very well.  Please look at the photos... we show examples of fertilizer placement.

Remember to COVER-UP THE HOLE / TABLET WITH SOIL after poking it into the soil!  This is important!  Although Pondtabbs are clay-bound and designed to NOT completely dissolve instantly, you can help to ensure that the nutrients stay in their spot by covering the resulting hole with soil after placing the tablet into it.  This does not mean that you have to add new soil... it just means that you should squish/push the hole closed after the tablet has been placed.  NOTE!!!!  If you choose not to cover the hole, the dissolving nutrients will more easily get into the water column and *could* worsen any algae problems that you may have, change the water quality and harm the fish.  Closing the hole helps to keep the nutrients in the soil, where the plant needs it most.  Also, you do not want your fish to swallow the tablet!  Covering the hole prevents your fish from eating them.  In general, if you are a beginner, we do not recommend simply throwing Pondtabbs into your pond... pushing them into the soil as directed is the best way to use them.

When should I not fertilize?  Do not fertilize your water plants when they are dormant.  Do not fertilize if the water temperature is under 60 degrees.  Do not throw fertilizer tablets into ponds/reservoirs/etc. that are not yours!  Do not use if the soil has become rotten or sulfided (it will smell like rotten eggs).