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Bert H · 01-05-2009, 11:44 AM

While I don't have any direct proof, I would go with the idea of debris/mulm/etc build up on the substrate. Recently, my somewhat neglected 10 gal got a major clean-up and I ended up vaccumming all the substrate (Eco), which had quite a build up of stuff in it. Before this clean up, I was still doing my water changes/dosing regime but I could see bba, and some thread algae building. A couple of weeks ago, I did the large 'clean-up'. It's been like a different tank for the last 2 weeks. No trace of bba, and the little bit of thread algae that was forming has stopped and basically disappeared.

I know folks typically say not to gravel vac a planted tank, but I have always done some whenever I uproot/replant a particular area, so the whole tank gets it maybe once or twice during a year.

My 2 cents. I'm curious to see what others suggest.

01-05-2009, 11:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bert H Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alachua, Fl Posts: 4,886 iTrader Ratings: 108 iTrader Positive Rating: 100% Plant Points: 183085	Re: Old tank syndrome? While I don't have any direct proof, I would go with the idea of debris/mulm/etc build up on the substrate. Recently, my somewhat neglected 10 gal got a major clean-up and I ended up vaccumming all the substrate (Eco), which had quite a build up of stuff in it. Before this clean up, I was still doing my water changes/dosing regime but I could see bba, and some thread algae building. A couple of weeks ago, I did the large 'clean-up'. It's been like a different tank for the last 2 weeks. No trace of bba, and the little bit of thread algae that was forming has stopped and basically disappeared. I know folks typically say not to gravel vac a planted tank, but I have always done some whenever I uproot/replant a particular area, so the whole tank gets it maybe once or twice during a year. My 2 cents. I'm curious to see what others suggest.