aqua_chem
Aquarium Advice Addict
I heard adding fish food helps with phosphate?
It does. How much it adds though is harder to determine, whereas if you dose phosphates specifically, you get a much greater deal of control. Also of concern is the bioavailability of phosphate in flake form, as it must first be processed and released by other bacteria to reach filters, whereas pure phosphate is instantly available.
Well these are conditions we are working towards however, ammonia dosing, frequency of dosing, time of cycle and whether water changes are necessary. It would seem that a water change plan would be beneficial but not for the reasons people might be thinking.
However, If we could add something that means we can just forget about it then this may be better. Or if we can help people understand the importance of macronutrients and other nutrients they can at least choose whether or Not to add these at the start or do a water change, since this would be less cost.
Just look at the getting started page in freshwater. There are 6 threads in a row that are struggling with this fishless cycle. It needs addressing.
The problem arises when you try educate people on the matter. Unfortunately, so much of what is known is in shades of gray rather than black and white. It's easier to develop a 'catch all' method and apply it to all rather than supply a dissertation on bacterial ecology that's more likely to confuse the reader.
What I would say is needed is a revamped guide with clear directions to be followed, followed by a discussion about why different things are advised. Fortunately, a lot is known on the matter that simply needs to be translated into a palatable format for the complete beginner.