TPRS Root Boost+ is a root-zone fertilizer booster for planted aquariums — it enriches the substrate so heavy root-feeding plants get the nutrients they need directly at their roots. Plants like Amazon swords, cryptocoryne and vallisneria feed largely through their roots, and a nutrient-rich root zone makes a real difference to their growth. Root Boost+ adds slow-release nutrition into the substrate, working alongside a liquid fertilizer for complete planted-tank coverage. What is TPRS Root Boost+? Short answer: A substrate root-zone booster that feeds heavy root-feeding aquarium plants. Root Boost+ enriches the substrate — the zone where root-feeders take up most of their nutrients. While liquid fertilizers feed the water column, a root-zone booster targets the roots of demanding plants, supporting stronger growth and healthier root systems. Use it together with a complete liquid fertilizer such as Sunken Garden Green. Learn how root feeding works in our root tabs vs liquid fertilizer guide. Key Features Root-zone nutrition — feeds heavy root-feeders at the source. Slow-release — sustained substrate fertility. Complements liquid dosing — covers what water-column fertilizers miss. For demanding plants — swords, crypts, vallisneria and more. Benefits Immediate: Enriches the root zone for heavy root-feeders. Short-term: Stronger roots and healthier growth in demanding plants. Long-term: A fertile substrate that sustains root-feeders over time. How It Works Placed in the substrate, Root Boost+ releases nutrients into the root zone, where root-feeding plants absorb them directly. This complements water-column dosing so every plant in a mixed aquascape is fed — stems and mosses from the liquid, root-feeders from the substrate. See the nutrient groups in our macro vs micro guide. How to Use Place in the substrate near the roots of root-feeding plants, following the product label. Bury so nutrients release into the substrate, not the water column. Continue dosing a liquid fertilizer for water-column plants. Refresh periodically as plants deplete the root zone. Suitable For Heavy root-feeders (Amazon swords, crypts, vallisneria) Planted tanks with inert gravel or sand substrates Aquascapers wanting a fertile root zone Use alongside a liquid fertilizer Not Ideal For As a sole fertilizer — water-column plants still need liquid dosing Tanks with only stem plants and mosses Problems It Solves Struggling root-feeders: feeds them at the roots. Inert gravel substrate: adds root-zone fertility. Slow, pale heavy plants: concentrated nutrition where they take it up. Root Boost+ vs Liquid Fertilizer Feature Root Boost+ Liquid fertilizer Feeds Substrate (roots) Water column (leaves) Best plants Swords, crypts, vallis Stems, mosses, ferns Use together? Yes — most planted tanks use both Expert Recommendation For tanks with heavy root-feeders, a root-zone booster makes a clear difference. Use Root Boost+ in the substrate plus a complete liquid like Sunken Garden Green in the water. For ready-to-use tabs, see Sunken Garden Root Tabs. Frequently Asked Questions What is TPRS Root Boost+? A root-zone fertilizer booster that enriches the substrate to feed heavy root-feeding aquarium plants. Which plants benefit most? Heavy root-feeders such as Amazon swords, cryptocoryne and vallisneria. Do I still need liquid fertilizer? Yes — it feeds the root zone; water-column plants still need a liquid fertilizer. How do I use it? Place it in the substrate near root-feeders and bury it, following the product label. Is it safe for fish and shrimp? Used in the substrate as directed, yes. Avoid disturbing it once placed. Does it work in gravel and sand? Yes — it adds fertility to inert substrates. Bury it well. How is it different from root tabs? It does the same root-zone job; root tabs are a convenient pre-formed tablet version. Can it be my only fertilizer? Only if you grow exclusively root-feeders. Most mixed tanks need liquid too. Related Products & Guides Pair with: Sunken Garden Green, Sunken Garden Root Tabs. Collections: Aquarium Fertilizer, Planted Tank Setup. Guides: Root Tabs vs Liquid, Complete Fertilizer Guide. Conclusion TPRS Root Boost+ enriches the substrate so your heavy root-feeders thrive. Use it alongside a liquid fertilizer for complete coverage of every plant in your aquascape.
