Marca:The 2Hr Aquarist

2Hr Aquarist APT 3

Q: Should I use APT 3 or APT e?

APT 3 is our balanced, all-in-one formula - it's slightly nitrate-limiting, which is what brings out deeper reds in species like Rotala, and it's the more forgiving choice if you're still learning to manage algae. APT e carries more nitrogen and phosphate for faster growth and picky, demanding species, but it needs more disciplined maintenance to avoid instability. If you're unsure, start with APT 3.

Q: Do I need to start with APT 1 before moving to APT 3?

For new tanks (roughly the first 1–3 months), especially with higher fish load, APT 1 is the safer starting point since it holds off nitrates and phosphates while the tank settles. Once your tank is established and plant mass has grown in, you can move to APT 3. If you're switching from ADA or a very lean fertiliser on an existing tank, introduce APT 3 gradually over about 2 weeks rather than all at once - this avoids the temporary algae bloom that a sudden nutrient shift can trigger.

Q: I'm getting a zero reading for nitrate on APT 3- is something wrong?

No - this is expected. APT 3 is nitrate-limiting by design, so a healthy, well-planted tank will often show 0ppm NO3 because your plants are absorbing it as fast as it's dosed. This is called zero-bound stability, and it's a sign the tank is balanced, not starved. Adding extra doses to try to "see" a nitrate reading usually does more harm than good - it can destabilize the tank and trigger the algae it was avoiding. If you want a reference point, the standard dose is 3ml per 100L daily.

$23.90

Artful Intelligence.

En comparación con los abonos convencionales:
3X más concentrado para especies exigentes*
2X más limitación de nitrato para colores más intensos^

Dosis 3ml por 100L diarios.

#200ml

200ml dura ~3mths para un tanque de 18 Gal / 70L. Dispensador no incluido.

#500ml

500ml dura ~3mths para un tanque de 50 Gal / 190L. Dispensador no incluido.

#1000ml

1000ml dura ~3mths para un tanque de 100 Gal / 380L. Dispensador no incluido.

#standard

Nuestro envase estándar de 300 ml viene con un dosificador calibrado. 1ml por prensa. Dura ~3mths para un tanque de 30 Gal / 115L.

#starter

Nuestro paquete de inicio de 100 ml viene con una pipeta.
Dura ~ 3mths para un tanque de 8 Gal / 30L.

Por qué

*en abono elemental soluble total por ml.
^en términos de proporción relativa de nitrógeno frente a otros nutrientes por ml..

La fórmula Capstone de APT, concentrada pero calibrada, permite cultivar las plantas más exigentes del hobby y disfrutar de la magia cotidiana en el tanque más sencillo.
100% Completo NPK, Macro, Micro y Oligoelementos.
FAQ Here.

Ingredients

APT 3 / Complete
Abono líquido inorgánico con macronutrientes
Abono NPK (Mg) con micronutrientes y trazas de boro (B), cobre (Cu), manganeso (Mn), molibdeno (Mo) y zinc (Zn).
0.7-0.9-7 (+1.6)

0.7% Nitrógeno total (N)
- 0.7% nitrógeno nítrico
0.9% Pentóxido de fósforo total (P2O5)
7% Total Óxido de potasio (K2O)
1.6% Óxido de magnesio (MgO)
0.09% Total Hierro quelado por EDTA, DTPA y EDDHA.
Todos los nutrientes son completamente solubles en agua.

Ingredientes:
Sulfato de potasio (CMC1 CAS n°7778-80-5) Cloruro de potasio (CMC1 CAS n°7447-40-7) Nitrato de magnesio (CMC1 CAS n°10377-60-3) Sulfato de magnesio (CMC1 CAS n°7487-88-9) Fosfato de potasio (CMC1 CAS n°7778-77-0)

INSTRUCTIONS

3ml / 100L per day
0.1 fl oz / 26 USgal per day

Dose any time of day, consistently.
Check Dosage Calculator for tanks without CO2 or mostly slow-growers / shade plants.
Minor sedimentation / crystallization is normal.

WHY

The choice of aspiring hobbyists. Unique Capstone Formula unlocks superior growth in hobby's most demanding plants, while providing everyday magic in the simplest tank.

INGREDIENTS

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Total Nitrogen (N)........................................... 0.75%
0.75% Nitrate Nitrogen
Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5)....................0.69%
Soluble Potash (K2O)....................................... 4.52%
Magnesium (Mg)............................................. 1.10%
Iron (Fe) ...........................................................0.12%
0.12% Chelated Iron
Derived from: Potassium Sulphate, PotassiumPhosphate, Potassium Chloride, MagnesiumNitrate, Magnesium Sulphate, DTPA Iron, EDTAIron, EDDHA Iron

Further information here.

Variantes de producto

2Hr Aquarist APT 3

Standard

$23.90

6X Power

Example of APT's relative concentration compared with a 50-year old European 'big brand fertiliser'. APT contains 5X the amount of Phosphorus (P) and 6X Potassium (K) per ml. That is like having 5 shots instead of 1 in your morning espresso, if you are into coffee :)

Optimal Balance

Simply 'more' is not always better. Lower Nitrogen (N) delays chlorophyll production and promotes richer colors- up to a point. Nitrogen is also essential for metabolism. APT pushes the limits of that balance. Maximum color before diminishing returns.

Superior Form

Similar to food labels, "20% protein" or "1% Iron" tells little about actual absorbability, efficacy, and impact. APT's components are up to 50X more absorbable and accessible across a wider range of pH and other water parameters.

Dosage

Use the Dosage Calculator. Absolute precision isn't necessary: when in doubt, dose slightly less, not more. Consistency is much more important than being 100% accurate.

Timing

Changing fertilizers can trigger a temporary system shock. In rare cases, this results in widespread algae. This can be mitigated by introducing APT incrementally over 2 weeks.

Switching?

Changing fertilizers can trigger a temporary system shock. In rare cases, this results in widespread algae. This can be mitigated by introducing APT incrementally over 2 weeks.

Which APT?

APT 1 is perfect for tanks with more fish, fewer plants. Also for new tanks (<3 months) with aquasoil. Enjoy comprehensive nutrition without nitrates and phosphates for maximum algae control.

APT 3 is perfect for tanks with more plants, fewer fish. Enjoy 100% comprehensive macro, micro and trace minerals. Unlocks the full potential of the hobby's most demanding plants.

APT e is perfect for heavily planted Dutch Style tanks and users who understand EI methodology. Supremely concentrated and expertly balanced.

Deeper Reds Built-In

APT 3's nitrate-limiting ratio is specifically engineered to bring out deeper reds in species like Rotala rotundifolia and Ludwigia arcuata, while still providing everything plants need to thrive.

Modern Plant Science

APT's proprietary Capstone formulation was developed specifically for today's planted aquariums, factoring in current tank environments, new plant hybrids, and evolving light and CO2 technologies, unlike conventional fertilisers that trace their origins to 1970s fish-focused tanks.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Should I use APT 3 or APT e?

APT 3 is our balanced, all-in-one formula - it's slightly nitrate-limiting, which is what brings out deeper reds in species like Rotala, and it's the more forgiving choice if you're still learning to manage algae. APT e carries more nitrogen and phosphate for faster growth and picky, demanding species, but it needs more disciplined maintenance to avoid instability. If you're unsure, start with APT 3.

Do I need to start with APT 1 before moving to APT 3?

For new tanks (roughly the first 1–3 months), especially with higher fish load, APT 1 is the safer starting point since it holds off nitrates and phosphates while the tank settles. Once your tank is established and plant mass has grown in, you can move to APT 3. If you're switching from ADA or a very lean fertiliser on an existing tank, introduce APT 3 gradually over about 2 weeks rather than all at once - this avoids the temporary algae bloom that a sudden nutrient shift can trigger.

I'm getting a zero reading for nitrate on APT 3- is something wrong?

No - this is expected. APT 3 is nitrate-limiting by design, so a healthy, well-planted tank will often show 0ppm NO3 because your plants are absorbing it as fast as it's dosed. This is called zero-bound stability, and it's a sign the tank is balanced, not starved. Adding extra doses to try to "see" a nitrate reading usually does more harm than good - it can destabilize the tank and trigger the algae it was avoiding. If you want a reference point, the standard dose is 3ml per 100L daily.

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