2Hr Aquarist APT Complete (APT3)

2Hr Aquarist APT Complete (APT3) – All-in-One Planted Aquarium Fertilizer

2Hr Aquarist APT Complete, now known as 2Hr Aquarist APT 3, is a comprehensive all-in-one liquid fertilizer developed for planted and aquascaped aquariums. It supplies essential macro, micro and trace nutrients in one easy daily dosing routine.

APT3 is designed particularly for established, plant-rich aquariums and combines balanced nutrient delivery with the 2Hr Aquarist’s nitrate-limiting approach to support strong plant growth, compact form and richer coloration.

Complete Plant Nutrition in One Bottle

APT Complete simplifies planted aquarium fertilization by combining the major nutrients required by aquatic plants into a single formula.

The current manufacturer formulation provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron and essential trace elements using multiple nutrient sources and chelated forms of iron.

• Macro nutrients
• Micro nutrients
• Trace elements
• Magnesium
• Chelated iron

This means there is no need to maintain separate bottles for routine macro and micronutrient dosing in most planted aquarium setups.

Designed for Richer Plant Colouration

APT3 uses the 2Hr Aquarist’s balanced, nitrate-limiting nutrient approach rather than simply supplying very high concentrations of every nutrient.

This makes it particularly suitable for aquascapers growing colourful stem plants and red aquatic plants such as Rotala and Ludwigia species.

Good plant coloration also depends on appropriate lighting, CO2, plant health and overall aquarium maintenance.

Ideal for Established, Plant-Rich Aquariums

2Hr Aquarist APT3 is particularly well suited to aquariums with substantial plant mass and comparatively lower fish-derived nutrient input.

Suitable applications include:

• High-tech planted aquariums
• CO2-injected aquascapes
• Established planted tanks
• Red and colourful stem plants
• Carpeting plants
• Demanding aquatic plants
• Nature-style and competition aquascapes

APT Complete / APT3 Dosage

Official standard dosage: 3ml per 100 litres of aquarium water daily.

The manufacturer states that APT3 may be dosed at any convenient time of day. Consistency is more important than dosing at a particular hour.

For tanks without CO2 injection or aquariums dominated by slow-growing or shade plants, nutrient demand may be lower and dosage can be adjusted accordingly.

Approximate Daily Dose

• 30L aquarium: 0.9ml daily
• 60L aquarium: 1.8ml daily
• 100L aquarium: 3ml daily
• 150L aquarium: 4.5ml daily
• 200L aquarium: 6ml daily

Switching from Another Fertilizer

If you are changing from a substantially different or leaner fertilization method, 2Hr Aquarist recommends introducing APT3 gradually rather than changing abruptly.

A progressive transition over approximately two weeks can help the planted aquarium adapt to the new nutrient regime.

APT3 vs APT1 / APT Zero

APT3 / APT Complete is designed for established planted aquariums where the plants require a complete supply of macro and micronutrients.

For newer aquariums, particularly during the first few months or tanks with relatively higher fish load and lower plant mass, 2Hr Aquarist APT Zero / APT1 may be a more appropriate choice.

APT3 vs APT Estimative Index

APT3 is designed as a balanced and comparatively forgiving all-in-one fertilizer with a nitrate-limiting nutrient strategy.

2Hr Aquarist APT Estimative Index uses a higher-nutrient EI-style approach intended for heavily planted, demanding aquariums where the aquarist follows a more intensive fertilization and maintenance regime.

If you are unsure which approach suits your planted aquarium, APT3 is generally the more straightforward all-in-one choice for an established planted tank.

Why Choose 2Hr Aquarist APT Complete?

• Complete all-in-one planted aquarium fertilizer
• Macro, micro and trace nutrients in one formula
• Simple 3ml per 100L daily dosing
• Designed for established, plant-rich aquariums
• Supports demanding aquatic plants
• Designed to encourage rich plant coloration
• Suitable for CO2-injected aquascapes
• Available in multiple bottle sizes

Available Sizes

2Hr Aquarist APT Complete / APT3 is available at Aqua Zones in:

• 200ml
• 300ml
• 500ml
• 1000ml

How Long Will One Bottle Last?

At the standard dosage of 3ml per 100L per day, approximate usage for a 100L aquarium is:

• 200ml: approximately 66 days
• 300ml: approximately 100 days
• 500ml: approximately 166 days
• 1000ml: approximately 333 days

Actual consumption varies according to aquarium volume and adjusted dosing requirements.

Important Usage Notes

• Dose consistently according to aquarium volume and plant demand
• Do not increase dosage simply to obtain a measurable nitrate reading
• For non-CO2 or slow-growing tanks, consider a reduced dosage
• Minor sedimentation or crystallization in the bottle is considered normal by the manufacturer
• Good fertilization should be combined with appropriate lighting, CO2 where required, water circulation and regular maintenance

Complete Your 2Hr Aquarist Fertilizer Routine

For newer or lower-demand planted tanks, consider 2Hr Aquarist APT Zero.

For a higher-nutrient EI-style approach, see 2Hr Aquarist APT Estimative Index.

Explore the complete 2Hr Aquarist range available from Aqua Zones.