Growth inhibitor Options

[CP]

One of my idealistic aim when I started off this hobby is to design a system so perfect that water changes are eliminated or minimised.To date,it remains well......idealistic.

For bio tanks,we all know that the end product is nitrates.And nitrates above 50ppm is harmful over the long term and stunts the fish.Whereas there are many products in the market that reduces (or is it CLAIMS to reduce),does it mean that our problem is solved if we manage to get rid of nitrate?

I used to think that solving the nitrates issue means EUREKA!!!Till I came to know about this "growth inhibitor" issue.I have read about it somewhere in the website before but had never seriously give it a thought till recently when a fellow forumer (bro Goldrush) mentioned it in one of his topics.

The fact (or is it theory) is that fishes will continue to secrete "growth inhibitors"
to prevent themselves from growing in a cramped environment(our fish tanks),to boost their chances of survival.This occurs naturally,much like when DO is low (eg when you off the air pump),the fishes will lie low and become less active knowing that oxygen supply is limited.

So what does it tell us?It means that we still have to perform water changes to get rid of the growth inhibitors if we want our fishes to grow,irrespective of whether nitatres,nitrites,ammonia and whatsoever has been eliminated.
Unless,of course,there is this thing in the market called "growth inhibitor remover-add 5ml per 100l of water weekly".

Was wondering if growth inhibitors can be measured.Eg,if nitrates to be kept at less than 50ppm,growth inhibitors shd br kept at xppm.Best of all,if it can be eliminated.

[CP]

Thanks,Goldrush.
I guess different people have different methods of maintaning water quality,or have different views and theories in the first place.My friend would have never heard of KMnO4,and I hardly see any plants at Koi farms,including their rental ponds.
Just one last question,if you dont mind.
What nitrate levels,in your viewpoint is the maximum allowed for goldfish or koi?

[goldrush]

Thanks,Goldrush.
I guess different people have different methods of maintaning water quality,or have different views and theories in the first place.My friend would have never heard of KMnO4,and I hardly see any plants at Koi farms,including their rental ponds.
Just one last question,if you dont mind.
What nitrate levels,in your viewpoint is the maximum allowed for goldfish or koi?

Hi cpiw 2002

I’m not too sure at which level (ppm)that nitrates will cause some distress.Signs of high nitrate level are suspected in fish showing lethargy,congestion of fins and red mouth lesion.As nitrate formation is the last component obtained in the nitrogen cycle,it is eliminated naturally through algae and plant as food.So if those bros who swear by green water,nitrates are blessings while those who swear by crystal clear water management.nitrates are curses.For goldfish enthusiasts,a great nitrate reducer will be growing water hyacinths(for breeding,providing shades as well)
For koi ponds,some of the dealers(Nippon)incorporate vegetable filters in the form of pandan leaves cultivation.In addition cpiw 2002 ,I notice your friend’s koi to pond ratio(apart from pond:filter ratio) is remarkable,hence an additional plus point why he need not water change too often or resort to any chemical intervention.

Regards

Goldrush)