Really dumb question

[Ryuu]

Hey everyone,
I don't know why, but for some reason I thought of this last night, and wondered if for some reason it would work.

So if someone were to let their tank get dirty, there would have to be an increase in bacteria. When the bacteria increases to the point where it meets the demand of the waste, won't there be perfect parameters?

I'm defiantly not going to do that, but just wanted to know why it wouldn't work.

Thank you,

Mike

[rich311k]

Nitrates would go through the roof. The water would become acidic. There are more things removed than just nitrates when water is changed. The fish in the tank might very well do ok. They will not be healthy or safe against disease and any new fish added would not survive very long.

[Ryuu]

kk thanks, I knew it wouldn't work, but didn't know why
:)

[domjd05]

That isn't a stupid question, it's always good to know WHY things work, not just THAT they work lol.