[Andi]

I'm wondering about its use in established planted tanks.

I know it can be used on new plants to get rid of any hitch hikers before accidentally introducing them into your tanks.

It can be used to clean up excess buildup in filters and do away with unhealthy critters, like gill flukes. Its been used in ponds, I've heard. How well does it work in planted tanks? The sludge in the gravel is a good thing in planted tanks, right? Would PP diminish that?

Also, are there any plants that tend to be sensitive to it?

The reason I'm asking is there has been a lengthy discussion on an angelfish forum I frequent, but most of those guys have bare bottom tanks because they do intensive breeding.

Another question is would H2O2 do the same thing? What about the plants and H2O2?

Thanks.

 

[crystalview]

I use PP when I first get plants and it has stained my seems light purple. Are you talking about the mulm that builds up in the gravel? It is normal to have some. Which is waste both plant and fish. It also contains some good bacteria. Excess mulm can be caused by over feeding. I use to get a lot of build-up and it took me a long time to greatly reduce my feedings. I have a python hose vac which I use to clean the gravel when things build up (about every 2wks for me). I personally don't think I would use PP in my tank I would be conserned with it killing my fillter. I run an 18w UV for bacteria and parasites 24/7. Some people only run it once a week or so. I have a breeding pair of discus and only change the water once a week. I get a lot of poop build up where the discus sleep, They are big fish. I have been know to do a super clean with a hot magnum micro filter about evey 3 months for there poop. I just run the suction close to my roots and let it suck for a bit.

 

[Andi]

Here is a link to the discussion, if you're interested. It's long, but informative. Maybe you'll understand my questions better.

http://www.angelfish.net/VBulletin/showthread.php?t=11342

Crystalview, thanks for your input. You may be interested in this thread. It was started by a discus person. It discusses how it won't kill your filter and more.