Beth Kosterich wrote:

Ammonia is zero, nitrates are also zero, that is, test show none of
either

Since Nitrates are zero, plants cannot grow. What has probably happened is that your fish were producing
sufficient nitrates initially, but your plants grew to the point where they are sucking 100% of the
nitrates out of the water. Now plants are dying as a result.

Solution? Add nitrate or fish. Adding fish just postones the problem and could lead to overcrowding.


Had a very bad phosphate problem about a year ago trying a CO2 tablet
product, used a peat filter for a while, then was told by aquarium
store to use the green filter regularly to keep tank in balance. Not
using the CO product since problem.

I cannot comment on this one. I'm not sure I see the connection between CO2 tablets, peat filtration, and
the phosphate/nitrate removal filter. It is possible they are unconnected except to create a revenue source
for the LFS.

Recall that phosphate is also a necessary nutrient, although an excess of phosphate coupled with the lack
of other nutrients (nitrate?) can cause algae.

My guess is that you are out of Nitrate and will soon be out of Potassium and traces, if you are not
already. Start reading here and come back with more questions!

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_p...izer_intro.htm
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_nitrate.htm