Tannins part 2

[jamesmcsyd]

Just adding on from the previous thread on tannins. I've got a planted tank, and have just begun using carbon to 'lighten up' the tank a bit.

My question is, now that the carbon is in, will the carbon extract all the goodies the plants feed with, eg iron, trace minerals etc? Should I increase the liquid fertiliser? Your response will be appreciated.

James

PS Having little experience with carbon, using a AC 400 carbon sized bag in a 200 litre (I think about 50 us gallons)
tank, when should it be replaced?

[ChloroPhil]

James,

Yes, the carbon will remove the goodies that your plants like to eat. Rather than adding more liquid ferts it would probably be better to just stop using it. More frequent water changes will have the same effect and aren't bad for a planted tank. When I'm getting an aquarium ready for competition I'll do a WC before adding nutrients, 2-3x/week, and the whole aquarium does really well with this treatment.

[jamesmcsyd]

thankyou
James