Keeping with the goal of the system to reach a low nutrient environment, it is necessary
to limit introduction of nutrients with top off water and to keep feeding to a minimum.
There are several ways to do this. We recommend removal of dissolved solids by means
of a reverse osmosis system for water changes and top off water. It is helpful to use a
de-ionization unit after the RO unit. Another source of nutrients comes from fishes.
Their fecal matter, as well as uneaten food, adds to accumulation of nutrients in the
water. Feeding small portions with the pumps turned off keeps food from drifting into
the decoration and limits the resulting decomposition process of nitrite (NO2), nitrate
(NO3), and phosphate (PO4). The amount and type of fishes should be adapted to the
type and size of the system.
9. Addition