Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Hydroponics (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re diving into hydroponics, you know nutrients make or break your setup—and fish emulsion is a game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? We’ve tested top fish emulsions to find which delivers lush growth, clean operation, and real value. Let’s explore the standout performers and help you choose the perfect fish emulsion to keep your hydroponic garden thriving—all without the guesswork.
- Best for odor-free boost: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for all-american formula: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for cold-pressed purity: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for compact green power: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for bulk foliage builder: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for powdered yield max: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for soil-life enhancer: Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-64G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer
- Best for microbe-boost formula: Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-128G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer
- Best for micronutrient mix: Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer
- Best for amino-rich concentrate: Safergro Aqua Power Certified Organic Fish Emulsion Concentrate
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Hydroponics
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Will Not Burn
- Great for all plants
- Deodorized with Natural Wintergreen
- 5-1-1 fertilizer is an excellent source of organic plant nutrients
- Fish Fertilizer
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water), for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits
- Organic Fish Protein :12-2-2 NPK powder made from 100% fish dried liquid powder, ground, and highly water-soluble when mixed.
- 2× Super Concentrated Powder: 1 lb (≈450 g) makes up to 100 gal of liquid feed,ideal for both large veggie plots and indoor/hydro gardens, creating high-value yield.
- Proven Results and Trusted Organic Fertilizer: Comparison experient conducted on same seed, same soil. The fertilizer supports visible growth and robust fruit set.
- Promotes Healthier Roots & Foliage: Rich in natural amino acids and micronutrients, boosts plant stress resistance, soil biology, and nutrient uptake.
- Reduced Odor, Easy to Use: Dry powder form alleviates the strong “fishy” smell of traditional emulsions. Simple to store, measure, and apply; mix and water every 1–2 weeks.
- Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced: Made in small batches from by products of the fish meal industry, organically biodegradable with minimal waste.
- Includes a teaspoon for ease of measurement
Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-64G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer, 64 oz (2 Quarts)
- Omri-rated, all-natural, Organic fish fertilizer adds proteins and enzymes to soil
- Increases anti-oxidants, sugar, and earthworm population
- Increased microbe production reduces the need for pesticides and creates stronger growth
- Comes in liquid fertilizer or soil conditioning granules for easy application
- Suggested use is 4-6oz per gallon of water.
Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-128G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer, 128 oz (1 Gallon)
- Omri-rated, all-natural, Organic fish fertilizer adds proteins and enzymes to soil
- Increases anti-oxidants, sugar, and earthworm population
- Increased microbe production reduces the need for pesticides and creates stronger growth
- Comes in liquid fertilizer or soil conditioning granules for easy application
- Suggested use is 4-6oz per gallon of water.
Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer, 1-Gallon
- All purpose liquid fish fertilizer: Use on flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and other outdoor plants
- Primary nutrients source: Derived from seagoing fish
- Active ingredients: Includes iron, manganese, and zinc
- Fish emulsion 5-1-1: Suitable for soil or foliar application
- Safe and nonburning: Ideal for use on vegetables, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees
- Versatile application: Can be used on potted and house plants, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees
- Application rate: Recommended usage is 2 tablespoons per gallon monthly during the growing and blooming season
- Product type: Liquid fertilizer
- Package size: Available in a 1-gallon container
- Manufacturer: Liquinox
Safergro Aqua Power Certified Organic Fish Emulsion Concentrate, 1 Quart
- OMRI certified organic liquid product
- Contains 20 amino acids, 13 vitamins and 8 minerals to promote health and growth
- 1 quart concentrate makes 6 to 10 gallons mix depending on application
- Feeds soil, plants and beneficial soil microbes
- To be used at any growth stage
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What NPK ratio should I choose for hydroponic systems?
Hydroponics benefits from a balanced, low‑phosphorus formula; a 2-3-1 or 5-1-1 ratio provides steady nitrogen for foliage while keeping phosphorus low enough to avoid nutrient lockout. Products like the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1) are designed for frequent, light feeding, which matches hydroponic needs. Avoid high‑phosphorus blends such as 12‑2‑2 unless you are specifically targeting fruiting stages.
How does liquid fish emulsion compare to powdered fish fertilizer?
Liquid emulsions, like Alaska Fish Emulsion or Liquinox, are ready to dilute and apply, offering quick nutrient uptake and easy foliar feeding. Powdered options, such as the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder, have lower odor, longer shelf life, and can be mixed into large volumes of water for extensive systems. Choose liquid for smaller setups and rapid response, and powder for bulk applications or when odor control is a priority.
Is odor a concern when using fish emulsion in indoor hydroponics?
Yes, traditional liquid fish emulsions can emit a strong fishy smell, which may be noticeable in indoor environments. Products that are deodorized, like Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen, reduce this issue, while powdered formulas inherently have less odor. If scent is a major concern, opt for a deodorized liquid or a dry powder.
What should I look for on the label to ensure the fertilizer is safe for edible hydroponic crops?
Check for OMRI certification or other organic approvals, which indicate the product meets safety standards for food‑grade use. Look for mentions of non‑burning formulas and low concentrations of heavy metals. Products such as Safergro Aqua Power and Fertilome are OMRI‑listed, making them suitable for edible plants.
How do I determine the right dilution rate for each product?
Each manufacturer provides a recommended mixing ratio; for example, Alaska Fish Emulsion suggests 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon, while Safergro Aqua Power recommends 4‑6 oz per gallon. Start with the lowest recommended concentration and observe plant response, then adjust gradually. Over‑dilution can waste product, while under‑dilution may limit nutrient availability.
Which fish emulsion offers the best value for large‑scale hydroponic growers?
The 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder provides the highest nutrient density per pound and can treat up to 300 gallons of water, making it cost‑effective for large operations. Liquid concentrates like Alaska Fish Emulsion also deliver good value but require more frequent purchases due to lower concentration. Compare price per usable nutrient unit and factor in storage and handling costs.
Can fish emulsion be combined with other hydroponic nutrients?
Yes, fish emulsion can supplement a base nutrient solution, especially to boost micronutrients, amino acids, and organic matter. However, ensure the total EC (electrical conductivity) stays within the optimal range for your crop, and avoid overlapping NPK ratios that could cause nutrient imbalances. Mixing a small percentage (5‑10 %) of fish emulsion into your standard formula is a common practice.