Hi Dave.
I think there's a several post about this.
The TPT thread is suitable though.
Basically: both add the same things, one leaner, one richer, ratios matter little.
One is in a liquid, one is in dry powder form.
Richer/leaner, liquid dry........these can be added or reduced, you can do either dry or either as liquid.........
You can also add more PPS, or less EI(Oh my! the horror!!)
There's several incarnations of EI, some get stuck with the rigid thinking, you must follow a method exactly.........
No, that was never the intent.
It's a myth to suggest it, so I come off fairly harsh when folks do this.
The larger picture here is that rich sediments, lower light and good CO2/current really help.
These play larger roles than nutrients, which tend to be really easy as well as water changes when these main drivers are done correctly.
So focus there, then once things are doing well, back up the dosing progressively and reduce the % water changes/frequency etc and pay attention to your aquarium.
You might also look at the DSM for carpet plants.
Applies very well to your goal. In either case, you can do more or less water changes with pretty much any method.
If daily dosing/liquids are more your thing:
Pmdd + PO4, there's several folks that have different EI type articles as well.
This is a far more accurate explanation for what PPS really is:
http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/PMDD.htm
PMDD+PO4........
James gives credit where it is due, PPS does not.
PPS is amazingly similar to PMDD in target ppms etc.
Most methods suggested water changes, I still do for CO2 enriched systems, they do better and less issues occur with them.
Sediment based ferts are really helpful if reduced water changes are the goal.
These stomp all over any PPS baloney as far as a long term source of ppm's and no water changes after the initial break in.
Then you can cut the dosing down even lower.
Unlike many, I use holistic management to reduce growth rates/water changes etc, and use several methods to achieve A GIVEN GOAL.
I have far more tools to work with and I think aquarist should get a fair shake here regarding more management methods, than some slick sales pitch.
There also has to be some trade offs, and the goal the aquarist has.
With more tools, we can help the aquarists, rather than suggesting they follow our "one" method..........best to have many methods and know what controls the rates of plant growth, this way you can help a wider group of folks with the least amoutn of labor/work for the aquarium.
Regards,
Tom Barr