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Re: [APD] Aeration & a planted tank



> > > I would
> > > like to add that in non-temperature controlled situations, the decreased
> > > replication of the bacteria may also be a strong factor.
>
>To make sure I understand, are you saying that the nitrifying bacteria
>reproduce slower at higher temperatures?

No, the other way around. To put it in context..
My tanks are not temperature controlled for about 10 months.
They are outdoors and on overcast days the temperature falls significantly.

I don't think you are having an ammonia problem, rather hyperactive plants?
I have seen when I use fresh tube well water directly into the aquarium the
plants go hyper and pearl like mad for a while. I am not sure why, probably
contains higher CO2 ?

>During the water change I also clean tank surfaces and lightly suction off
>the driftwood and gravel, where I assume there are nitrifying bacteria.
>I've picked up a new ammonia test kit and will check the tank the morning
>after the next water change.  It's never shown a trace before, but I don't
>think I ever checked it at that time.  The temperature of the water
>definitely increases from a water change in my home, and takes a couple days
>to go back to normal, so the fish behavior may be a combination of factors -
>ammonia and low oxygen, contributed to by the high temperatures, rapid plant
>growth, and a decrease in bacteria.

Increase in bacterial activity.. probably compensate for small loss from the
surfaces. I think it may be insignificant. If there is a way to do some 
controlled
experiments and verify it would be great.

>   For the record, I've never seen the
>fish in the tank do any of the behaviors (flicking and hiding) that were
>described for elevated ammonia - they just hang at the surface and breath
>rapidly the first couple of mornings after a water change.  I also noticed
>the corys will go to the surface and swallow air occasionally during this
>period.  They don't do that at any other time in this tank.  Also for the
>record, the tank uses a spray bar on an Eheim Ecco, but the spray bar is
>located near the bottom of the back wall pointing forward (ala an old Tom
>Barr recommendation to conserve CO2).  If the tank tests 0 ammonia, the
>first thing I will try is to point the spraybar more upwards to increase the
>bottom to top circulation.

My Cory's do the same. I understand that your tank is CO2 injected. If not
your could try the bar on top too.

Raj


>Thanks to all for this thread - it's an interesting one!
>
>Terry S. in AZ

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