RMPD109 said:The drawbacks of CC are high nitrates.
RMPD109 said:You may want to read up on the nitrogen cycle(cycling tanks). It is the end result of ammonia being transformed into nitrites then into nitrates. Nitrates are the least harmful but can still cause problems if they get high. A DSB will actually gain bacteria which will reduce nitrates. CC has been used for years as a natural substrate and does have some buffering capabilities but a buildup of detritus will lead to the high nitrates. HTH