Updates on projects

[Glaive]

First the failure:

I tried using spider plants, anubias, and wandering jew in my tank to reduce nitrates. The results were about a 5-10 ppm reduction between weekly water changes until my fryeri decided a few days ago to destroy the plants whose roots were in his tank water.

Then the success:

I made a powerhead bio filter a while back and used the following as a prefilter.
12 pack of WEB electrostatic vent filters $5.97

These I would term a complete success. Because of thier excelent filtering capability I have replaced my ac powerhead quick filter premade deals with two layer sheets of this stuff.

I am truly amazed at how one layer seems inpenatrable to sand and that the clean up is either a swish and squeeze in old tank water or hit with teh kitchen sink sprayer. I'm not sure if they are ionized or what but these are an awesome polisher IMHO.

[lyttlewing]

have you tried Azolla before? It is a plant that has grown well in any of the tanks I had and have. Plus it looks nice
some of the stats:
Nitrogen fixation is a remarkable prokaryotic skill in which inert atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is combined with hydrogen to form ammonia (NH3). This vital process along with nitrification (formation of nitrites and nitrates) and ammonification (formation of ammonia from protein decay) make nitrogen available to autotrophic plants and ultimately to all members of the ecosystem. Although Azolla can absorb nitrates from the water, it can also absorb ammonia secreted by Anabaena within the leaf cavities.
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/plnov98.htm

[Glaive]

Thank you for the info lyttlewing, will look into it.