Hi Stubby,
As deterioration of the leave debris and fish food releases amino,tannic,and fatty acids incorporate pH monitoring as well.
Over time this acidic presence can actually alter the pH complexion of the aquarium and will markedly effect the rate of digestion. In open water bodies this may not be as dramatic , but in a closed finite system such as you have it bears watching.
I would also recommend that the waste base be shredded before introducing to the experiment as uptake of the carbon by bacteria is usually in soluble condition.The easier the waste can become soluble the faster the rate of deterioration. Important: Should your pH value become less than 6.5 I recommend introducing a small amount of sodium bicarb to buffer the acids.
One pound of sodium bicarb administered to 1000 gallons of water
will raise pH approximately one point. Good luck on this venture
and much success. Hope this helps. D
