To change or Not to change that is the question...

[RTR]

LOL at the omelet remark...

I believe the number 11 bus goes to Hammersmith and will not be driven by St. Nicholas - or something close to that.

I can accept Dochere's setup as an "edge" tank, carrying a certain concept as far as it can be taken. As such it is fascinating. As such it just has to be controversial also. I am uncomfortable with recycled water such as this - because I know how hard it is to define all the goodies or nasties (viewpoint) dissolved there. I'm one of the old fogy types who "believes" that water changes are a near-panacea (experience, not philosophy). The tank I considered "best" biologically of mine used the Meridian water changer - with daily partials from the tap. That is not a low-tech setup either, as procesing is required on the water on the way to the tank, and fail-safes are needed on the system.

I have no idea if the parameters shown by the hobby tests have any significant association with the (to me) astronomic pH/KH/GH. I will say that it appears the low-ORP slab is functioning for denitrification, or perhaps some of the additives/exchage materials are doing that job. I could not get nitrates that low without anaerobe assistance.

 

[Luca Brazzi]

I also have to say that this method of aquarium ownership is expensive as it takes allot of chemicals, additives, etc to maintain the water properly. Just to look at it from my perspective though, I do not see my aquarium as a hobby. I use it for relaxation and soothing meditation purposes. Don't get me wrong, I love my fish, but I have enough to do and enough hobbies to keep me busy without climbing into my tank.

This thread is great... although I think it has one thing missing (unless Ive missed a post)...

In the above quote Dochere states that he/she does not see the aquarium as a hobby. However, wouldnt you say that Dochere spends far more time and money investigating his/her "Chemistry Set" style of keeping fish than those of us who just change the water? I would have to say that to Dochere... fishkeeping is definitely a hobby, however his/her level of engagement in this hobby is different from most of us.

Dochere is an fishkeeping hobby fanatic. From a chemistry perspective that is.

It's simple Dochere... change the water, and RELAX.