[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: Mulm cleaning
Hello,
Yes I am definately recomending in *some* cases to remove the fish, plants
and to do a very through cleaning of the substrate. Sometimes if your
nutrients are out of wack (say very high nitrate or phosphates in the
substrate) it will hinder the plant growth.
The reason to remove the fish is since the substrate would be harboring
nutrients in high concentrations then they would be subjected to issues
like nitrate shock and phosphate shock, perhaps other forms as well. It
would definately be less stressfull on them to remove them during the
cleaning.
Next time you do any substrate work test the water column for nitrates,
phosphates, iron and potassium, clean the substrate and test again. These
nutrients (and others as well) will be definately HIGHER.
FYI nitrate shock is from exposure to high levels of nitrates. Signs
include fish becoming ill, poisoning signs w/in 24-72 hours, often found
dead from no apparant reason. Page 318 in the "A-Z of Tropical Fish
Diseases and Health problems" by Burgess, Bailey and Exell ISBN
#1-58245-049-8
Ed
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>One thing that I can definately recomend is
>removing the fish and do a detailed cleaning of the substrate. This
>method works great (living proof) and will lower the abundant levels of
>nutrients that are in the soil.
You are right, Ed, it sure would lower those nutrients. Perhaps I read
this
incorrectly. Are you actually recommending removing the fish and cleaning
the substrate of a planted tank? If you mean what it sounds like you mean
I
*definitely* would NOT recommend it. It's about the worst thing you could
do to a planted tank.... and certainly an excellent way to really stress
your fish. If you are only talking about cleaning debris off the
surface...
why would you want to remove the fish??
Olga
in Vancouver