I don't buy into that, because, my 10g, only has 2 kribs, 3 kuhlis, and a
bristlenose in it, planted, and it's got well over several thousand MTS and
I maintain a healthy 7.2pH and kH of 3 using ONLY black onyx sand... hmmm

We've never discussed what substrate you have.... what ARE you using?



it's plain old gravel, roughly 1/4" in size. I recently (like two
weeks ago) removed half of it, so it is now about 1" deep. Less for
the snails to live in.
I siphon the gravel well every time i do a w/c (which is currently
weekly)

I have heard that bog wood can lower the ph, but i dont know how, or
how vigerous it is. There is a 9" long bit in there for the
bristlenoses(apparently there is a theory that munching on it is
essential to their diet - they do munch on it too, they also spawn
regularly under it) -could this be the trouble? It has been in the
tank since day one - 3 years now, never a problem before......

I have also heard that mature sword plants which grow vigerously
(again - i have one) can de-calcify the water, causing a kh drop, but
i dont know how serious it is.....

The latest thing to happen in this tale of woe is a mild outbreak of
ich, i have spotted it early and am treting with a formaldahide based
product. I think the ph droips are ****ing the fish off somewhat!

at a loss.....

chris