Mak,
I bet your softies would love ya for the changes.
As for the siphoning,
I would then refer you back to Dale D`s post....
It did work for him to keep them in check by siphoning.....but it goes on to say "every day or so"
Dale is a good friend and his tanks are among the nicest ive seen,and i dont doubt what hes says as true.
I just looked at it as a means to an end,rather than another daily chore to do.