syphoning question and more

Question
hello Chris...remember me...the one with the angelfish aids problem...i ended up treating the tank with metronidazole...then the fish would not eat...added Maracyn 2.  they seem to be coming along...I did lose 4 of them...broke my heart.

i have 2 questions:
1.  the bottom of my tank is covered with warm water plants...it is dense with 2 pieces of driftwood...i cannot get to the gravel to syphon it.  i check the nitrites and ammonia as well as ph weekly and it is fine...should i remove the plants to syphon...is it necessary...do they make a product to dissolve fish waste?

2. what fish are compatible with angelfish...thinking about adding schooling fish. are any of the tetras o.k...they will not go after the tails of the angels?

3. i am thinking about adding a co2 system for my plants...is it worth the expense...in your opinion...about $550.00 for all supplies. my plants are doing o.k., now.

i am so glad you are there...i have told a bunch of my fish people about you...get ready!! thanks again
























3..thinking about adding a co2 system for myh p

Answer
Hi John;

It's good to hear from you again! So sorry you lost so many fish. What a horrible disease.

I wouldn't worry about vacuuming the gravel if you can't get to it. With lots of plants in there to help consume the waste there probably isn't much. Unless you have a high nitrate level there isn't anything to worry about. I don't remember if you told me what those levels were.

I'm really not familiar with CO2 systems. I've never tried that hard to keep plants that won't grow in my tanks without it. The experts and hobbyists on the freshwater fish forum may be able to help you there.

The important thing with schooling fish is that you keep at least 5 of each kind. They distribute their nippiness amongst their own kind if there are more of them. Too few and they "break rank" to chase other fish. Some you could look into are; Black Skirts, Emperor, Bleeding Heart, Silver Tips, and Congos. Any that get 2 inches and larger are good. Look at the list of 2 pages of tetras at the link below;

http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/category.asp?id=Characins

Fishprofiles.com is a really good site for finding info on all sorts of fish.

Have fun and thanks for telling your friends! I've been a volunteer with AllExperts.com for over 5 years now and take great joy in helping people with their fish. It can be challenging at times, but rewarding too. It helps me to keep up with the industry in general as I study and research new things, and some old things too.

Followups welcome.......

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins