Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Hydroponics (Updated | Dec 1st)
But with so many fish fertilizers on the market, how do you pick the best one? We’ve tested top contenders to find which delivers lush growth, clean systems, and real results—without the guesswork. Let’s break down the best options so you can grow smarter, not harder.
- Best for protein boost: Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-64G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer
- Best for vitamin rich: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for granule flexibility: Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions TP-128G Trident’s Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer
- Best for yield +20%: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner for Yield and Flavor Enhancement. Improves Fertilizer Efficiency. Useful in both Garden Soil and Hydroponics Applications. 120 mililiters
- Best for veg stage formula: Grow 3-1-2 Organic Liquid Fertilizer
- Best for super concentrated kelp: Organic Sea Kelp Fertilizer for Plants – Water-Soluble – Makes 50 Gallons – Kelp Meal Concentrate Plant Food – for Indoor Gardens
- Best for flavor enhancer: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner for Yield and Flavor Enhancement. Improves Fertilizer Efficiency. Useful in Both Garden Soil and Hydroponics Applications. 250 mililiters
- Best for deodorized blend: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for sustainable emulsion: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Hydroponics
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.
CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer, 1 Quart
- Promotes healthy plant growth with 11 vitamins
- Can be used on all indoor and outdoor plants
- 100-percent organic
- Stimulates microorganisms
- Does not burn
Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, 115 oz
- Fish-based fertilizer for use in vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens
- Excellent for use on flowers, trees, and other plants
- OMRI listed
- For organic gardening
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- NPK 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer
- Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries
- Easy to use, just mix with 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.
Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner for Yield and Flavor Enhancement. Improves Fertilizer Efficiency. Useful in both Garden Soil and Hydroponics Applications. 120 mililiters
- It is a piece of nature in a bottle: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner makes fruits, herbs and vegetables healthier, taste and smell better and it improves plant health, growth and production.
- A living product: OMRI listed for organic use and University tested. Provides a complex Microbial profile including different bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Profile is closer to a natural ecosystem.
- Increases yield: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner increases plant production by up to 20%. Can be used for organic farming, soil or soilless and hydroponic gardening.
- Increases flavor: Helps release essential oils and terpenes contributing to building the myriad of flavonoids. Flavonoids play a key role developing aromas and tasteful flavors of plants and fruits.
- Increases nutrient uptake: Contains beneficial microorganisms helping plants maximize nutrient uptake. Transforming nutrients into more useable forms and keeping these nutrients in the soil longer.
Grow 3-1-2 Organic Liquid Fertilizer, Vegitative, Fish Based, Safe, Organic, All Purpose, Nutrient, Plant Safe (8 Ounce)
- Optimal Growth Formula: Specifically designed for soil growers, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in any soil media. Great for vegetable gardens, flowers, indoor plants and trees. Excellent nutrient to use on plants and herbs during the vegetative stage.
- Easy Application: No need to worry about PPM or PH levels (as long as tap water is within the normal range). Just one tablespoon mixed per gallon of water, fed weekly. Since its Organic you don’t have to worry about burning your plants or roots like with synthetic fertilizers.
- Organic: Registered Organic with the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), ensuring a safe and effective product. Keep the life and biology in your soil by using this premium organic fertilizer.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made from sugar beet extract, corn steep liquor, reduced sugar molasses, and acidulated fish tankage to provide essential nutrients your plants will love.
- Complete Feeding Solution: Best results when used alongside other recommended Mission Fertilizers according to the feeding schedule. We have an organic solution for all stages of growth.
- Odor Notice: The strong odor is a normal characteristic of organic fertilizers and does not affect the product quality or performance.
Organic Sea Kelp Fertilizer for Plants – Water-Soluble – Makes 50 Gallons – Kelp Meal Concentrate Plant Food – for Indoor Gardens, Hydroponics, Vegetables, Houseplants – Smart Grower – 2oz Bag
- Organic Bio-Active Seaweed Harvested From Maine, USA – Smart Grower Sea-Kelp (Ascophyllum Nodosum) is boosted with rich source of naturally-derived organic polymers (fucoidan, alginate, and tannins) for maximum plant growth with NPK: 0-0-18 Soluble potash for enhanced nutrient uptake in plants
- 6X Stronger Super-Concentrated Powder – 2 oz pouch makes up to 50 gallons of highly water soluble powder mixable liquid kelp fertilizer for large and small indoor gardens, vegetable beds, and hydroponics and houseplants this is the best value on the market
- Healthier Bigger Plants Fast – Our Cold-Water Harvested in Maine Sea-Kelp plant food will boost your garden health and plant root strength because this organic kelp fertilizer supports natural plant stress resistance and maximum nutrient efficiency in all plant growing systems.
- Fast Results Proven and Trusted Organic Fertilizer – Thousands of farmers and gardeners use Smart Grower Sea-Kelp Meal Fertilizer to boost plant health for houseplants, vegetables, flowers, and hydroponic systems including seedlings and mature crops to get larger yields and bigger plants
- Easy-to-Use, and Compatible with Nutrients – Smart Grower Sea-Kelp fertilizer is fast-dissolving and easy to mix with water, simply apply every 1 to 2 weeks for stronger plants and bigger yields for all types of plants, gardens, and growing mediums
- Cruelty-Free, Organic, Small Batch, Non-GMO, Responsibly Harvested Sea-Kelp Plant Food All Smart Grower products are made in small batches to help restore the poisoned ecosystem of this planet for the optimal health of people, plants, and our planet
Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner for Yield and Flavor Enhancement. Improves Fertilizer Efficiency. Useful in Both Garden Soil and Hydroponics Applications. 250 mililiters
- It is a Piece of Nature in a Bottle: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner makes fruits, herbs, and vegetables healthier, tastes and smells better, and improves plant health, growth, and production. It will make your plants smile, and your gardens will thrive.
- A living product: It is OMRI-listed for organic use and university-tested. It provides a complex microbial profile that includes thousands of different species of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This profile is closer to a natural ecosystem than anything you will find on the market.
- Increases yield: Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner increases plant production by up to 20%. Can be used for organic farming, soil or soilless, and hydroponic gardening.
- Increases flavor: It helps release essential oils and terpenes which contribute to the building of a myriad of flavonoids. Flavonoids play a key role in the development of the most potent aromas and tasteful flavors of a plant and its fruit.
- Increases nutrient uptake: It contains beneficial microorganisms that help plants maximize nutrient uptake. It does this by transforming nutrients into more usable forms and keeping these nutrients in the soil longer.
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
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!
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 should I look for in a fish fertilizer for hydroponics?
Choose a product that is OMRI‑listed for organic use, has a balanced NPK ratio suitable for hydroponic growth, and contains beneficial microbes to aid nutrient uptake. Look for liquid formulations that dissolve easily and have clear application instructions, such as 4‑6 oz per gallon of water. Low odor and a non‑burning formula are also important for indoor setups.
How do liquid fish fertilizers compare to granular ones for hydroponic systems?
Liquid fish fertilizers, like Just Scentsational TP‑64G, mix directly into the nutrient reservoir, providing immediate availability of amino acids and enzymes. Granular products require dissolution and can introduce uneven concentrations if not mixed thoroughly. In hydroponics, liquids generally offer more precise dosing and faster plant response, while granules may be better suited for soil‑based applications.
Which of the listed products is OMRI‑listed and why does that matter?
Products such as Just Scentsational TP‑64G, TP‑128G, Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner, and Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5‑1‑1 are OMRI‑listed, confirming they meet organic certification standards. This matters for growers who want to maintain organic certification or avoid synthetic chemicals. OMRI‑listed fertilizers also tend to have lower risk of harmful residues in edible crops.
How does the nutrient profile (NPK) affect plant growth in hydroponics?
A balanced NPK ratio ensures that plants receive the right amounts of nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall vigor. Fish emulsions typically have a low‑phosphorus, high‑nitrogen profile (e.g., 5‑1‑1), which is ideal for the vegetative stage. Adjusting the ratio with supplemental nutrients can fine‑tune growth for flowering or fruiting phases.
Are there any odor concerns with fish fertilizers and how can they be mitigated?
Fish‑based fertilizers naturally have a strong scent, but many products, like the Alaska Fish Emulsion, are deodorized with natural wintergreen to reduce smell. Using a closed‑loop hydroponic system and diluting the fertilizer according to the label can further minimize odor release. Ventilating the grow area or adding activated carbon filters can also help keep the scent under control.
Which product offers the best value per gallon for hydroponic use?
The Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5‑1‑1 (115 oz) provides a large volume at a competitive price, making it cost‑effective for regular hydroponic feeding. Its 5‑1‑1 ratio is versatile for both vegetative and early flowering stages, and the OMRI certification adds value for organic growers. When comparing price per usable gallon, it typically outperforms smaller quart‑size options.
Can kelp‑based fertilizers be combined with fish emulsions in hydroponics?
Yes, kelp powders like Smart Grower Sea‑Kelp (0‑0‑18) can be mixed with fish emulsions to supplement potassium and trace minerals while the fish emulsion supplies nitrogen and amino acids. This synergy can boost root strength and stress resistance, especially during high‑temperature periods. Always test a small batch first to ensure the combined solution remains stable and does not exceed recommended EC levels.
How important is microbial content in fish fertilizers for hydroponic setups?
Microbial inoculants, found in products such as Fish Head Farms Organic Soil Conditioner, help convert nutrients into plant‑available forms and can improve root health even in soilless media. In hydroponics, beneficial microbes can enhance nutrient uptake efficiency and suppress pathogens, leading to healthier, faster‑growing plants. However, ensure the system’s sterilization practices don’t kill these microbes before they can establish.