There are many causes for this issue; however, to effectively solve the problem, it is necessary to understand its causes clearly!
First, substrate leaching should be the phenomenon of small dust particles floating in the water environment of the tank or settling on the surface of the leaves. The main causes currently are: using low-quality substrate, or some types of industrial fertilizers that have not been properly treated, and during the tank setup, you often sprinkle a layer of sand and gravel that has not been washed thoroughly, which is also a cause of substrate leaching.
- You need to observe carefully whether you are really experiencing substrate leaching or just cloudy water!
Next, if it is at a mild level, you should change the water and suck up the layer of dust that has settled on the surface of the leaves. At the same time, increase the power of the filter pump to quickly pass the dust through the filter cotton. Monitor regularly; if it continues, the cause is no longer due to not washing the substrate thoroughly, but the specific cause at this point lies in the substrate you are using. Don’t rush to overturn the substrate! At this time, we recommend introducing a “cleaning crew” for the tank, which is the RED CHERRY SHRIMP, a species that lives in freshwater rivers. This shrimp does not have large claws, so it does not harm plants or fish; it mainly lives at the bottom, continuously digging, causing dirt on the leaves or under the substrate to float in the water and then pass through the filter.
If you have done all of the above and the substrate continues to leach, you should accept to TURN OVER THE TANK! Note that this time, use a more effective substrate.
(According to our personal observation, usually after introducing the red cherry shrimp into the tank, not only do harmful algae disappear, but the substrate leaching phenomenon also goes away; we have not seen any cases that were more severe and required treatment…)
WISH YOU GOOD LUCK!
Tag: Aqua Plants Hub
Aqua Plants Hub Editorial
