angc84

Thanks for pointing out the importance of DOCs! I noticed in the chapter that I didn't before, that humic acid substances have great metal binding capacity. I see that's another reason charcoal media should not be used.

So why, do people remove dead plant leaves? Don't they eventually release humic acid and degenerate into plant nutrients?


Lastly, the reason I have medium-high light is because I wanted my stem plants to eventually grow into a jungle, covering most of the water surface. Having higher light is to make sure that my lower plants (crypts) are able to get some light. I wonder if this rationale makes sense?

Regarding the filter....I am just not so confident that my plants can take care of all the ammonia instantly. Do plants consume ammonia at night? Maybe I will take out 1 bio-ball everyday....and it will take me about 2 months to be completely bio-ball free!! Hahaha.

I suppose Excel can be considered as a exogenous growth factor to plant. I might slowly decrease the amount of Excel I use and eventually stop entirely. I've heard that Excel does not provide enough C source to plants, so I am not so worried about making other nutrient the limiting factors. I think, for a non-CO2 tank, carbon is always going to be the limiting factor. =)

Hopefully my plants continue to do well! I will share some picture with you all soon! I want to make a progression thing. =D

And you are right, my L repen is going out of control! My R Roundfolia is modest, but L repen is growing like there is no tomorrow! Hehe. =)

Again, thank you for the help! I needed the brainstorm! I only wish I didn't have a midterm tomorrow...