If memory serves me correctly one of the major proponents of fish mortality in this type of situation is the release of nitrates from the substrate.
Decomposing plant matter releases n2 and n3 and this gets trapped in the silted substrate. When the silt is disturbed the n2 and n3 are released. If my reccollection is accurate, n2 is not harmful but the n3 is a real fish killer.
(Hence why most aquaria have gravel filters)
Last edited by markdej; 01-02-10 at 03:44 PM.
"All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure." - Mark Twain
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