Scott, nothing special about my filtration just a humble fluval 303. I
do use a small quantity of carbon. The tank has a gravel substrate but
nothing special about that either. Maybe a small amount on anaerobic
activity but nothing out of the ordinary.
Julie,
>When you noticed an increase phosphates levels in your tank, did you also see a greater amt of algae?
I didn't start measuring the P level until after I had increased the
water changes and link the tank back into my main system (Lots of tanks
joined together). I expect that that really makes no difference. The
phosphate level would have been rising during this period. So, yes?? I
had / have some young sailfin mollies that can consume large amounts a
algae. I put nine of them into this tank early on to control the algae.
Since the fish grew during the period I expect that they consumed more
algae. I didn't get an algae bloom. The tank also has a couple of
bristlenose cats. It has a single 40W fluro, 12 hours a day. It is
mostly planted with Java fern. I did harvest some of the fern. I don't
add CO2.
Peter,
The info about black stems on plants / swords indicating a high BOD is
great! I have been looking for an indicator of minimum nightly oxygen
level and I have some swords. No black spots but I will keep an eye on
them.
Cheers
Tim T.
-- ----------------------------------------------------------- Tim Thormley Email: thornley at ActOnline.com.au My home page is http://www.ActOnline.com.au/~thornley -----------------------------------------------------------