I do not have a kit to check ammonia or nitrates. I will have to see if they have one at the local pet store. The pump is 350gph and I am wondering if low oxygen levels or something wrong with the water would cause the fish to not want to eat. I have about 30 3-4 inch Tilapia in the one tank and it just doesn't seem like they are eating much if any. Weissguy, I will look into your bog plant idea it sounds good. I have spent a lot of money so far so I am running out for now. There is a window that faces south just above the tanks on the wooden work bench. That would probably be a good place to put the bog set-up if I can afford it.