My nitrates and nitrates are creeping up in a new setup (month and a half old). Will the plants metabolize them, or is a water change really the only way?
ETA: I have two filters on this tank. Would the tank benefit from putting primarily volcanic rock crumbles in the lower-powered unit for the anaerobic bacteria?
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Sophie and Mom; 03-10-2012 at 06:32 AM..
If nitrites and nitrates are increasing while ammonia is decreasing, your nitrifying bacteria are begining to do their job.
Plants will use both as a nitrogen source. Nitrite is more toxic to animals than nitrate, so if you have fish or invertebrates in the tank, you may need to do water changes. Also, you may wish to reduce the amount of these nutrients in the water column to discourage algae.
One of the appeals of the El NAtural to me was not having to change the water, given that the amount of plant growth is utillising the available nutrients prduced from the tanks bioload/amount of fish etc.
I remember reading that plants will target ammonia as their first choice. If the ammonia is all being utilised, will the plants then target nitrite & then nitrate as their second & third preferences?
I like the El Natural as well, but lots of trace elements are replaced via water change. I think they are still vital to keeping aquariums, after all, in nature, the water is constantly being replaced via rain, drainage to bigger or smaller tributaries. Water changes are still necessary I believe.
I think Bardus was referring to the fact that you don't necessarily have to change the water; just top the tank off w/ new water. This should replenish some trace elements but of course the issue then may be excessive build-up, which is why it may be beneficial to not rely 100% on top-offs.
Will plants process nitrates/ites? 
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