Great thread! Most of my recent philosophy comes from the reefer's world. I believe that very similar biological things that occur in salt water occur in fresh water. Almost all of the important things happening in an aquarium are at the microbe level, ie, algae and bacteria. So, in my tanks I keep tons of lava type rock that has a lot more surface area for the microbes to grow just at the reef guys use "live" rock.
As long as the current isn't overwhelming the fish, there is no such thing as too much filtration. I know it's not natural, but for added water movement I use an air pump with no air stone so that water is also moved upward to the surface for added surface area and c02 expulsion.
I also think that lighting is very important. Although many fresh water habitats are shaded, they are still lit by the sun. So I think that within reason good quality lighting is essential.
By the same reasoning, live plants are not only good looking but also aid biological filtration.
In general if you look at rivers and lakes that have excellent water quality they are usually (but not always) low in nutrients. Crappy water has crappy microbes in it. I think thats why tanks with poor water quality have more bad bacteria and undesireable algae.
I am suprised that more fresh water tanks don't have sumps like the reef guys. My next tank will have the largest sump that I can fit so I can add even more bio filtration like an algae turf scrubber and or a protected area for plants.
Please keep in mind that the above is just my philosophy based on reading every piece of info I can find.
Oh btw I have always been partial to Marineland products with the exception of their stealth heaters.
Again, great thread! I hope this stirs up lots of debate about freshwater quality.
Thanks, mark
As long as the current isn't overwhelming the fish, there is no such thing as too much filtration. I know it's not natural, but for added water movement I use an air pump with no air stone so that water is also moved upward to the surface for added surface area and c02 expulsion.
I also think that lighting is very important. Although many fresh water habitats are shaded, they are still lit by the sun. So I think that within reason good quality lighting is essential.
By the same reasoning, live plants are not only good looking but also aid biological filtration.
In general if you look at rivers and lakes that have excellent water quality they are usually (but not always) low in nutrients. Crappy water has crappy microbes in it. I think thats why tanks with poor water quality have more bad bacteria and undesireable algae.
I am suprised that more fresh water tanks don't have sumps like the reef guys. My next tank will have the largest sump that I can fit so I can add even more bio filtration like an algae turf scrubber and or a protected area for plants.
Please keep in mind that the above is just my philosophy based on reading every piece of info I can find.
Oh btw I have always been partial to Marineland products with the exception of their stealth heaters.
Again, great thread! I hope this stirs up lots of debate about freshwater quality.
Thanks, mark
