Its job in your tank:
Root feeders, the backbone of the method.
The plants living soil was made for.
Twenty root feeders (vals, sagittaria, corkscrew val, swords and crypts) that anchor the sand cap and draw on the Aqua Preta below for years. For 30–75 gallon tanks.
How it fits the Father Fish Method
Father Fish has kept fish for more than 70 years, and his method has helped thousands of aquarists build tanks that run on biology instead of bottles. A layer of living soil sits under a sand cap and feeds rooted plants for years. You plant heavily on day one and skip the CO2, liquid fertilizers and root tabs. Then the plants, the soil and the tiny life in them balance the tank. Root feeders are what the soil is built for: they need no root tabs.
| Plant Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Val | 5 |
| Sagittaria | 5 |
| Corkscrew Val | 5 |
| Swords | 3 |
| Crypts | 2 |
FAQ
Can these root feeders be used in tanks smaller than 30 gallons?
Please contact customer service
Do the plants require any additional fertilization after planting?
No, the plants draw nutrients from the Aqua Preta below and do not require liquid fertilizers or root tabs.
How long does it take for the plants to establish in the tank?
Establishment varies by species, but most root feeders begin anchoring within a few weeks and show visible growth within 1 to 3 months.

Jennifer James –
Installed the root feeder pack in my 55-gallon tank right after setting up the living soil. No CO2 or fertilizers needed. The plants grew steadily within a month and the water clarity improved noticeably. Very satisfied with the setup.
Olivia Ellison –
Used this pack with the Father Fish Method and have been running my tank without any supplements. The plants are thriving and the tank has balanced naturally. Highly recommend for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Lillian Manning –
The variety of plants is good and they anchor well in the sand. A few of the corkscrew vals took a bit longer to establish, but overall the system works as expected. No issues with growth or water stability.
Phil Knox –
After switching from liquid fertilizers to this root feeder pack, my tank has become more stable. The plants are dense and the water looks cleaner. No maintenance needed beyond occasional pruning.
Grace Allan –
Planted all 20 in a 60-gallon tank. They grew well and helped stabilize the substrate. A little more patience than expected at first, but now the tank is balanced and fish are healthy.