wow, this thread has really taken off! So I tested the water again today to see if maybe it just needed some off-feeding time to catch up, and it is slightly more orange today, than yesterday, but still not at a solid 20ppm, so I'd say that I definately have a nitrate problem, by not changing my water. I guess my fish just tolerate high levels of Nitrate? I have had these fish for years in these conditions, and everything stays stable, so I never saw a need to change the water. I APOLOGIZE for misleading anyone to not do water changes. I guess since I have never tested for nitrates, (my kit never included that test) and my fish weren't dying, I thought there was nothing wrong. Since testing my water, I See that there IS a problem with my water quality, and it needs attention. I still think the UG filter get's a bad rap, and it's function in this hobby is very useful, and probably the MOST RELIABLE form of filtration out there. It does not work well with planted tanks, but for unplanted tanks using gravel, I think it works quite well. Yes It does need to be vac'd to break up the gravel a bit every once in a while, but other than that, I think it works the best of all the systems I've built. Reliability and Low Maintenance seem to be It's overall benefit. I Use a HOB with pothos in it for the Nitrate, but it seems as tho I need more plants, and WATER CHANGES! ..due to the high levels I am experiencing in this tank. Maybe I'll find some fruit bearing plants like pumpkin to make sure my Nitrates stay down in the future. This has been a humbling experience for me in this hobby. Just when u think you know what your talking about... an MFK forum smacks you down!
