AbbeysDad

LOL - or Freddie Kruger!

Re: Your avatar change. I was wondering about that, myself. Maybe you should have just gone with Chucky (....or Jason).

I changed my avatar after some complaints from fearful members about my using a photo of Emmitt Kelly Jr., the world famous hobo clown "Weary Willie". I don't know why so many people are afraid of slapstick comedians in make-up. In light of the distress, I chose another compassionate, always tolerant and understanding father, Archie Bunker. LOL

Although it occurs to me that as many did not know of Emmitt Kelly Jr. and see the irony of the sad clown, many will also not see the true humor in using Archie Bunker.

Thank you.

marshallsea,

To plant rooted plants you really need a pair of forceps which are really over sized tweezers. This can also be done with a fork like device sold for that purpose. Also a thumb and forefinger (and a wet arm) can do the job.

Muck in the substrate can be a double edged sword. Some is good, but too much can also be bad. Now gravel can be a larger problem than sand because lots of stuff gets down under and a nitrate factory springs up. This is why I switched to [pool filter] sand. The muck sits on top and slowly decomposes and/or I can easily siphon off during the weekly water change.
Again, it's all about balance. I think if/when we have a high tank nitrate challenge, we need a multi-prong approach. Less feeding to reduce waste, better filter/tank maintenance, adding plants or adding more plants - I'm using Seachem Purigen to adsorb dissolved organics.
And of course the obvious...stepping up the frequency and/or the volume of weekly water changes (with good water!).

I hope you don't mind me messaging you. I only want your answer as you fight nitrates and water issues more than anyone else. I've read that with plants you shouldn't try to vacuum all of the muck from the gravel because it can be food for the plants. None of my plants are planted in the substrate because I have 10 thumbs and can't get them properly planted so I tie them to rocks and drop them in. Planted this way can they still take advantage of the muck?

had to move my sword tails to main tank ,as they had babies. counted 10-12 could be more.

hi :)

Just click on new topic and ask away.

Hi! How do you post questions on this site? Thank you!