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Old 06-29-2009, 06:47 AM   #8 (permalink)
PDX-PLT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbarn View Post
Can never have too much filtration
Especially for Discus.
Lots of discus keepers use minimal filtration; e.g., only running a sponge filter doing some bio filtration. They consider mechanical filtration a bad thing - the filter traps and holds waste, which then decomposes and ultimately adds to the nitrate level in the tank, which they try to keep as low as possible.

As a substitute for mechanical filtration, they do large, frequent water changes, during which they remove the waste. This seems to be preferred over a continuous WC system.

If you're dealing with adults, rather than fast-growing juveniles, this is less of an issue. With adults, there's less food waste and excrement to deal with.

Also, I wondered about the "sealed top". I thought one feature of a sump was exposure of the bio media to the air, to enhance the function of the aerobic bacteria. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought you didn't want a sealed top with a sump (which is why they tend not to be preferred in CO2 systems, as compared to canisters).
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