So Why Don't Liquid Ferts Get Absorbed Into The Filter?

[aaronnorth]

As it happens I use a vivarium heating mat (I can see no difference in principle between it and substrate heating cable btw) to heat my small 45l tank it works a treat and is hidden from sight. So obviously substrate heating isn't a waste of money, especially as I got it for free ... as to whether it has any use other than heating ... now that is the question.

In principle it would drive water through the substrate - unless you disagree with the laws of physics - thus making the carbon substrate work as a buffer and a sink so it would be a great idea if it wasn't for the fact that having a carbon based substrate is in itself pointless and a complete waste of money. I take it we all agree??

I wouldn't have wanted to grow up on Lewsey Farm either so you have my sympathies ... The last time I was in Rhosesmor it didn't exactly strike me as being the life and soul of the party.

Me thinks you should have a word with Tom Barr who has been doing studies on it...

aka plantbrain on here.

here he is having a rant at someone else on ASW lol: http/www.aquascapingworld.com/forum/11920-post29.html

 

[jnms]

There's a lot of good information here thanks!

Currently I have a sand substrate, and have recently added Aquacare Root Capsules into it. I don't want to add a layer of fertile substrate as it would be a massive job. From what I understand the root capsules can do a good job.

However I want to add liquid fertilizer into the tank. Will this get adsorbed by the carbon granules in my filter therefore making the liquid fertilizer useless? I am using carbon to remove the colouring that my bogwood keeps releasing...

 

[aaronnorth]

However I want to add liquid fertilizer into the tank. Will this get adsorbed by the carbon granules in my filter therefore making the liquid fertilizer useless? I am using carbon to remove the colouring that my bogwood keeps releasing...

yes it will.

 

[jnms]

Ok thanks, so how do people manage to keep bogwood, clear water and well growing plants?

What options are open to me, to keep the water clear whilst adding enough nutriants for the plants (without changing the substrate)?

 

[aaronnorth]

you usually soak the bogwood before use, eventually it shoudl go but this depends on the size. I think seachem purigen will help.

 

[jnms]

I actually soaked it for 6 weeks until the water ran clear. Maybe it needs to come back out again and be resoaked...

If I used seachem purigen, would that also adsorb any liquid ferts?

 

[aaronnorth]

I actually soaked it for 6 weeks until the water ran clear. Maybe it needs to come back out again and be resoaked...

If I used seachem purigen, would that also adsorb any liquid ferts?

it removes trace elements (but only minimal amounts) and ammonia. Not sure if it removes tannins, ask in tropical discussion, i know a few poeple use it.