Since you've been feeding with shrimp and (probably) a high protein pellet, the new media helped create fractionation. The agitation at the air/water interface creates a situation where proteins and dissolved organic carbon separate from the water in the form of foam. This happens in creeks and where there is wave action normally, or with protein skimmers. I use protein skimmers (AKA foam fractionators) in my fresh water tanks and ponds to remove proteins. I would imagine the foam in your tank is telling you, you should be doing larger and more frequent water changes for an RTC.
Below is a video of my DIY foam phractionator (plans of available at koiphen.com.
These phractionators help maintain better water quality in fresh or salt water tanks, and I consider them (especially as they as work as biofiltration) as some of the best filters for aquariums built. Beside removing protein (which are nitrate precursors) they have the ability to remove particulate, free floating algae, and even some pathogenic microbes. And unlike most filters which simply store waste until you remove it by cleaning media, these filters remove it directly from the water of the tank. The one below drops the foam onto the ground.
Below is a video of my DIY foam phractionator (plans of available at koiphen.com.
These phractionators help maintain better water quality in fresh or salt water tanks, and I consider them (especially as they as work as biofiltration) as some of the best filters for aquariums built. Beside removing protein (which are nitrate precursors) they have the ability to remove particulate, free floating algae, and even some pathogenic microbes. And unlike most filters which simply store waste until you remove it by cleaning media, these filters remove it directly from the water of the tank. The one below drops the foam onto the ground.
