Hi Folks,
I am trying to get a full(er) picture of what contributes to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in freshwater aquariums. Why? Well, I still have an ongoing problem with an oily film on the water surface. Using the kitchen paper towel method is effective but the result is short-lived. I syphon the substrate, I don't over-feed my fish and I use organic waste removal media in my external filter. The filter is cleaned monthly. If all else fails, I'll resort to a surface skimmer but I'd rather deal with the root cause.
Unhealthy, decomposing plants will obviously contribute to DOC. I do believe that healthy plants must also contribute to DOC. Otherwise, I presume that allelopathy couldn't occur. So, do healthy plants release organics (into the water column)? And, would this be sufficient to contribute to the formation of surface films?
JPC
I am trying to get a full(er) picture of what contributes to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in freshwater aquariums. Why? Well, I still have an ongoing problem with an oily film on the water surface. Using the kitchen paper towel method is effective but the result is short-lived. I syphon the substrate, I don't over-feed my fish and I use organic waste removal media in my external filter. The filter is cleaned monthly. If all else fails, I'll resort to a surface skimmer but I'd rather deal with the root cause.
Unhealthy, decomposing plants will obviously contribute to DOC. I do believe that healthy plants must also contribute to DOC. Otherwise, I presume that allelopathy couldn't occur. So, do healthy plants release organics (into the water column)? And, would this be sufficient to contribute to the formation of surface films?
JPC
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