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Is it true that if you dont clean your filters out very often you can get a nitrate build up in your tank?



[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-09-02 09:16][/span]

Hi,
Actually I think you are asking for an opinion.
Carried to the extreme,IF you don't clean the filter
THEN eventually it would clog up, the output would
drop off, and probably the bacteria colonies in the
filter would die off, or change characteristics.
I suspect that the bacteria in the tank on the
various surfaces, and gravel would increase, and
along with that I suspect that the nitrate values
would as well. Throw plants into the equation
and the increase would probably not be as rapid.

Actually, I think lack of water changes is more
detrimental to the tank than filter maintenance.
Unless you have one of the tanks described in
Diana's book THE ECOLOGY OF A PLANTED AQUARIUM,
then water changes are an absolute must, and lack
of them will cause a gradual change in all of the
water's characteristics.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

yeah i agree with frank...
that book is good

Thank you for your answer. It was very helpful.