newbie314

So I added a filter to get rid of the algae (or get rid of the nutrients).
Now after a week I'm done with ammonia and now into nitrite.

Later on will I be able to turn off the filter and get rid of it in the tank. Or will this be a problem such as reverse nitrate-> nitrite->ammonia.

Does cycling going to reduce plant growth since it is taking away the ammonia supply.
I am surprise that I went through the ammonia cycling in a week although the tank is 3 1/2 weeks old.

Carissa1

You might be able to remove the filter after the initial release of ammonia etc. from the soil is completed. It all depends on whether you have enough plant load to handle the amount of ammonia that you will be getting from your fish. The cycle won't go in reverse, it will just stop and you'll end up with ammonia buildup if your plants aren't up to the task. Plants also use nitrate, the final product of the cycle. So as long as there is a source of ammonia or nitrates the plants will be ok in that aspect.

I'm not quite sure why a filter would remove algae or nutrients, I think I must be missing something in that part of the story.

newbie314

It's not the mechanical filteration. It's the activated carbon. Will take out nutrients and tannins (too).

It's stated in Walstad's book.

Carissa1

Oh ok, that makes a little more sense. Although I would be interested in knowing exactly what nutrients carbon will remove, since I spend so much time and money putting nutrients INTO my tanks! any info you have would be appreciated.

newbie314

These nutrients are Disolved organic compounds. These are good at looking Fe from the water. When light falls on them, they release the Fe and the algae can use them. I'm trying to limit the nutrients.
I have soil so the rooted plants have that for Fe.

mistergreen

my tanks are usually cycled in a day or 2... 0 NH4 and <5 NO3....
the soil is full of the 'good' bacteria. I'm lucky i guess