In an established (cycled) tank you probably shouldn't have to worry about
ammonia/nitrites...especially if you have lots of plants to deal with that.
Weak and spindly plants could probably be related to insufficient lighting.
Stem plants will have longer sections of stem between leaf nodes and try to
reach the surface of the water to get closer to the light source (with low
light). 2-4 watts per gallon, C02 and trace & macro nutrient addition is
neccessary for more lush plant growth or demanding plants.

Dave.

"TwoBells" wrote in message
news:NaXtc.420$QA.278@newsfe6-win...
I have the FLUVAL 304, the last level in the filter consists of two
sections
for charcoal, I've used it for ages with no problems, and its kept the
'green' smell and ammonia/nitrates way down, however, my plants always
seem
spindly and weak, I have purchased a SOCHTING carbonator to help but it
seems that I may have to remove the carbon filters entirely.

Is there anything I can do to keep the charcoal sections yet still have
flourishing plants?

Steve Page




"Commander Vimes" wrote in message
...
hi there,

I have just purchased a Jewul aquarium, which comes with a carbon
filter pad as standard. I have read elsewhere that carbon filters
might remove any plnat food that I put in the tank. Is this the case?
If so, any advice on what to do in terms of replacement filter media
would be appreciated,

many thanks,

Vimes