[unirdna]

Hey folks,

I searched this topic extensively, both through google and on TPT. I found nothing. Hopefully, some of the long-time veterans of Amano philosophy/strategy (eg. Barr, Senske) can help clear up my confusion.

If you've been in this hobby for more than 24 hours, you know about Takashi Amano's contributions. But, as I read through my archived TAG magazines, I see that all of his tanks are VERY low in nutrients.

For example (one of many): TAG volume 16, number 2, page 8: description of a 120cm, branchy-wood, open-top aquarium, with 160w lighting - NH4 (ammonium) = 0mg/l , NO2 (nitrite) less than .02mg/l , NO3 (nitrate) = 1mg/l , PO4 (phosphate) = 0mg/l. , COD = 6mg/l.

Plants for this tank include many crypts, lilaeopsis sp, eleocharis sp, sagittaria sp, polygonum sp, and microsorum sp. The only "additive" mentioned is ADA Brighty K.

In my experience, these nutrient levels would be catastropic. My plants suffer miserably when nutrient concentrations are this low level for more than a few days.

I have theories on how Amano accomplishes healthy tanks with such low nutrient levels, and I'm sure you do, too. But, I want to hear something from the horse's mouth. So, please, if you have first hand knowledge of how/why Amano keeps his tanks with said nutrient levels, share.

Thanks