[Thomas Beu]

Hi Jennifer,
In order to refill my tanks with fresh water I normally use a “dripping-system”. From a bucket placed above the tank, water runs down through a small hose as it is used for air-pumps. The flow-rate is regulated by a small valve. Thus, the water is dripping slowly into the tank, about 5 liters over a period of half an hour. As the Paros often come close to the dripping-spot, I suppose they like the special motion caused by the drops; maybe they love rain. Filling the tank by this way, you will avoid any disturbance of the arrangements. In order to fix the water-entrance at the bottom of the bucket, it is useful to weigh down this part of the hose (i.e. with an iron piece or stone) or to use a small plastic tube that just reaches down to the bottom with an elbow over the edge of the bucket, were it is connected with the hose.
Another thing: In my view the air-stream of your filters is a little bit too strong. Paros prefer a weak water current. I use bubble filters too, but air supply is much lower.
Plant growing: It is an old experience that plants sometimes grow and sometimes not. Three equal tanks in my shelf, standing side by side, with an equal setup, all under a common fluorescent tube, behave considerable different. Only in one of them, the floating watermoss Salvinia is growing very well, with tall leaves and long roots. The second tank is mainly grown by Ceratopteris and the third one don’t like any plants. Who knows why? So don’t be frustrated and try it again. Often Microsorium, fixed on a piece of wood, is growing well. Also Najas guadeloupensis is not bad.