Can plants solve environmental problems?

[matti]

I've been noticing a buildup of mulm in my paludarium's substrate, so I decided to break out the gravel vac for the first time in four years and managed to remove a decent amount. I'm not a fan of gravel vacs, though - I don't want to disrupt the microfauna population in the substrate, which is pretty substantial.

My paludarium only has epiphytes, no rooted plants, so I'm wondering if adding something like dwarf sagittaria or crypt parva would help reduce the buildup. Or should I just make gravel vacs a regular thing, like every month or so?

The tank's been up since early May, and I used aged substrate from a previous scape. Fish waste is definitely contributing to the mulm, but I think the spiderwood stump is the main culprit. The substrate's also sloped towards the back, about 5cm before the lava rock wall.

[kokomo]

Dwarf sagittaria and crypt parva are excellent choices - their roots provide a great environment for detritus worms, copepods, and ostracods to thrive. These little critters are the best mulm cleaners you can ask for. Any bottom dwellers that move the substrate around will also be a great help in reducing the buildup. And let's not forget about water movement - it plays a significant role in preventing the accumulation of mulm in "hot spots".

[matti]

Dwarf sagittaria and crypt parva are excellent choices - their roots provide a great environment for detritus worms, copepods, and ostracods to thrive. These little critters are the best mulm cleaners you can ask for. Any bottom dwellers that move the substrate around will also be a great help in reducing the buildup. And let's not forget about water movement - it plays a significant role in preventing the accumulation of mulm in "hot spots".

The one area I'm struggling with is behind the lava rock wall - it's surprisingly clean, probably because the pump draws in water and mulm from that area.

[kokomo]

I've been noticing a buildup of mulm in my paludarium's substrate, so I decided to break out the gravel vac for the first time in four years and managed to remove a decent amount. I'm not a fan of gravel vacs, though - I don't want to disrupt the microfauna population in the substrate, which is pretty substantial.

My paludarium only has epiphytes, no rooted plants, so I'm wondering if adding something like dwarf sagittaria or crypt parva would help reduce the buildup. Or should I just make gravel vacs a regular thing, like every month or so?

The tank's been up since early May, and I used aged substrate from a previous scape. Fish waste is definitely contributing to the mulm, but I think the spiderwood stump is the main culprit. The substrate's also sloped towards the back, about 5cm before the lava rock wall.

I'd love some more insight on that. You mentioned water movement playing a part in mulm accumulation - could you elaborate on how that affects things?

In my experience, a strategically placed piece of fine mechanical filtering media can really help remove mulm from the water before it has a chance to settle.

[sidthy]

I've got a tiny pump from a cat fountain that's around 2" in size. Maybe I could hide that somewhere to stop the mulm from settling, it might just do the trick.

[Avalon]

What's the substrate you're using? If it's something like baked terracotta or dirt, it's just gonna keep breaking down and flaking off into tiny pieces, creating more mulm. I've had a similar issue with Fluval Stratum in my 6-gallon shrimp tank - it's been a real pain to deal with. I'm actually planning to break down the tank soon just to replace the substrate with Petco's Eco-complete knockoff, which I've heard is way better. Honestly, I'd never recommend the Stratum substrate to anyone - it's just too much of a hassle to maintain.

[kokomo]

The pump's placement might be the issue, being too close to the substrate and stirring up the mulm instead of keeping it at bay. If it's accumulating behind the wall, that's actually a good thing - it's contained and easily removable.

Raising the pump's position could help increase the flow rate and prevent the mulm from getting sucked back in, making maintenance a bit easier.

[matti]

Dwarf sagittaria and crypt parva are excellent choices - their roots provide a great environment for detritus worms, copepods, and ostracods to thrive. These little critters are the best mulm cleaners you can ask for. Any bottom dwellers that move the substrate around will also be a great help in reducing the buildup. And let's not forget about water movement - it plays a significant role in preventing the accumulation of mulm in "hot spots".

Here's the filtration design - water's drawn in through a 1cm gap into a Matala mat. Had to ditch the fine sponge as the heater wouldn't fit. I clean the mat out weekly, usually with a decent amount of mulm in it. The pump then sends water up to an 8mm T piece, one way to the drip wall at the top, the other to a small outlet. Problem is, the lava rock wall blocks stuff on the substrate at the front from getting sucked into the filtration area at the back. That's why I've got loads of mulm at the front, but hardly any behind the rock wall. Used a baster to shift mulm towards the back and the matla mat in the past, but with the amount I've got now, it's not really worth it.

[matti]

No planted substrate here. I'm familiar with the Stratum issues, had it in a betta tank and maintenance was a nightmare.

[matti]

I've got a tiny pump from a cat fountain that's around 2" in size. Maybe I could hide that somewhere to stop the mulm from settling, it might just do the trick.

I think increasing flow towards the front of the tank might be the solution. It would allow the main pump to pick up the mulm more effectively.