"Derek Benson" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 09 Jun 2005 16:52:38 GMT, Elaine T
wrote:

Free nitrates vs root tabs really depends on the plant and substrate.
KNO3 works VERY well for stem plants and floating plants. Swords and
crypts prefer substrate fertilization.

I'm curious as to whether it is a good idea under any circumstances
whatsoever to add nitrate to an aquarium stocked with fish. Nitrate is
the stuff we're trying to dilute out of there by changing water. I
would think it isn't a good idea to start adding the stuff on purpose.
(?)

-Derek

I suppose it depends on whether you want the benefits that plants can give
to your tank or not. If they are deprived of nutrients they die (this is the
gardener in me rather than the tank keeper). Plants well fed and growing
have more beneficial impact on a tank than no plants - or dying plants that
add to the decaying matter in
the tank adding to the ammonia/nitrites...

A well balanced planted tank will keep the nitrates down.....without the
plants we need to do big water changes - for example my Malawi tank has
about 4 very manky plants....the nitrate values are higher than the planted
tanks where I add plant food to help the plants along - hence water changes
are more of an impotant issue...

Ultimately everything is a big balancing act in an artificial environment
:-)

Gill