I agree, more frequent or larger water changes are the key. I do
between 25% - 50% every week and that keeps them in check. If I get lax
and go longer then a week between changes I can measure the effect
easily with a climb in nitrates.

swarvegorilla wrote:
"Jolly Fisherman" wrote in message

I'd say make it 25% every 7 days on the dot and your problems will probably
vanish.
give the gravel a good vacume and clean out excess mulm.
the only plants that are gonna save ya are duckweed and taro
I dunno if you want either in yout tank
lol