Before jumping in the El Natural wagon, and after reading all the related forums in the ukaps web, I have two major doubts about this system:
1 - Given that a biological filter (ie bacteria) isn't necessary and can even be counterproductive since it 'steals' nutrients from the plants, but considering that the filter would need to be running anyway to provide some water flow - preferably with some filtering material in it to retain the thicker particles - wouldn't bacteria become a problem when they eventually grow in the filter material over time, as they probably will? Would it be a case of getting rid of them on a regular basis, cleaning the filter thoroughly etc?
2 - The potting compound recommended as substrate will eventually exhaust itself in 6-12 months. Would it need replacing with fresh potting compound, or perhaps the thing to do then would be to add fertilizers to the water column instead? Would the fish produce be enough to sustain the plants, once the substrate is finished?
3 - This may be a far-fetched idea, but could crushed egg shells be used instead of the oyster shells that are sometimes recommended for mixing with the substrate?
Any ideas will be very welcome indeed.
1 - Given that a biological filter (ie bacteria) isn't necessary and can even be counterproductive since it 'steals' nutrients from the plants, but considering that the filter would need to be running anyway to provide some water flow - preferably with some filtering material in it to retain the thicker particles - wouldn't bacteria become a problem when they eventually grow in the filter material over time, as they probably will? Would it be a case of getting rid of them on a regular basis, cleaning the filter thoroughly etc?
2 - The potting compound recommended as substrate will eventually exhaust itself in 6-12 months. Would it need replacing with fresh potting compound, or perhaps the thing to do then would be to add fertilizers to the water column instead? Would the fish produce be enough to sustain the plants, once the substrate is finished?
3 - This may be a far-fetched idea, but could crushed egg shells be used instead of the oyster shells that are sometimes recommended for mixing with the substrate?
Any ideas will be very welcome indeed.