Thanks for responding Tom. This is what the tank looked like on Sept 12 2007.



After the redemial actions, this is what the tank looks like as of today(first picture is top view of the tank).




I know the tank needs a major trim, but I am in the process of setting up a 15 gallon high tech Amazonian II substrate tank for experimental purposes and wanted to coordinate the trim with the new setup. As you can see from the second picture the Albino Bristlenose Pleco is trying to make a dent in the green spot algae. Unfortunately, he seems unable to penetrate it. You have to admire the guy's tenacity. What are the blue things. At one time they held nitrifying bacterial colonies and while I know they are not necessary in a planted tank. I kept them in there as I did not see them doing any harm and I was just too lazy to dig through my tank and remove them.

I am bad at using words to describe filters, so I was going to try with pictures but I am limited to only 4 images, so will try my best with words. The tank was designed to use an overflow filter. Water overflows to a compartment with filter media(bioballs and floss), the filtered water enters another chamber that houses a powerhead with a hose that shoots the water back into the tank. The guy who made the tank used a pipe with tiny holes so the returning water is released through the holes. The tank was not designed to house live plants and I think he did this to create a highly oxygenated tank, which would be great in a non-planted setting. I don't know how it would work in a planted tank setting. He claimed the tank was designed to never require water changes(don't know about that never tried but the tank has had fish that have survived over 9 years).

In addition I have a fluval 3 plus submersible filter for added circulation and filtration(I was able to use a purigen insert in it, fine polishing fibre, and sponge). I also have a 9watt AA UV sterilizer with a powerhead running in the tank.

For a C02 reactor I use Co2 Reactor 200 With Rio Pump.

The tank is still not where I want it to be but the improvement is sufficient that I don't see any need to tear it down and start over, so I am going to continue to plug away. The fact that there was significant improvement in 3 months gives me some hope.

Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations Tom.