RE: [GSAS-Member] Algae control

["Sanford, Dave LHS-STAFF" <Sanfordd@issaquah.wednet.edu>]

Hey Clay, it sounds like you forgot about doing regular water changes which
should dilute the phosphates, preventing the establishment of an equilibrium
with the P in the substrate. 
dave
____

The idea that one can "minimize leakage of phosphates into the water column"
is rather entertaining.  From my memory of the chemistry classes I took in
school, I would expect that any and all elements in a tank of water will
eventually reach equilibrium.  Now, if I was going to plant a tank and only
have it functioning for a short time I could see where "buried deep in the
substrate" might be an effective way to "minimize leakage of phosphates into
the water column".  However, since most of us operate our tanks for more
than a few weeks or months, I cannot see how the "buried deep in the
substrate"  plan of approach will work.  Within weeks or months (and quite
likely less time) I would expect all the elements in a fish tank to reach
some form of equilibrium regardless of how "deep" one buries the elements.  

If you think about this, imagine trying to place a chlorine tablet "deep"
enough in your substrate to keep it from killing your fish (please don't try
this).  Likely that won't happen.  Now, I am not proposing that phosphates
will dissolve in water at the same rate as chlorine.  Yet, as noted, over
time (and we have lots of time)the phosphates will dissolve and come to some
equilibrium state throughout the tank regardless of how "deep" one buries
the material.  Of course, this is assuming a standard aquarium, I suppose if
one had infinite depth to their substrate you could place the offending
materials "deep" enough to eliminate the threat in your, or your fishes,
lifetime.

Soooo, there is my two cents worth.  I am not saying that the referenced
paper does not have some merit, simply that some of the logic it provides
could be a bit flawed.  Careful how you apply what you read.

Clay

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