Food blocks causing increased water hardness?

[shaela21]

We went away for 10 days, and left a food block in the 20 gallon tank, which is home to swordtails, rainbows and 2 cory's. Also some live plants. When we got back, the water hardness was at 17 degrees and the plants did not look healthy 8O , but the fish seemed energetic and happy. We did a water change (1/3) and it dropped to 12. Any thoughts on this whether the food blocks may of caused this hardness increase? Thanks.

 

[lmw80]

Food blocks have been the cause of many issues in tanks. I have personally never used them, but have heard many horror stories. It would not surpise me if the food block was the culprit in your case.

 

[Toirtis]

I wuld suspect the food blocks...if I remember correctly, they are made out of plaster or some such, which certainly would increase dissolved mineral solids in your water.

 

[TankGirl]

Right - plaster of paris, in fact. I would rather my fish go without eating for a week, but 10 days is certainly pushing it! I would avoid using those blocks, or at least use way less than the recommended portion, maybe. I have not heard too many glowing testimonials for these things, and plenty of sob stories, like Lori mentioned.

 

[shaela21]

Thanks for the replies. What I am going to do is invest in a automatic feeder as we are leaving for another time away next week. Thanks for the input.

 

[Bearfan]

You can get auto feeders pretty cheap. You don't need the fancy digital ones, the basic ones do fine. I use them on my FW when I go on vacation.