In a recent Fish Hobbyist magazine, expert Jack Watley says he never uses carbon in the filters of his tropical discus tanks. But he didn't explain why. Should I use the ammonia remover media instead? Thanks.
2007-04-16 06:33:53 · 4 answers · asked by Bouncingsoul39 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Jack is an excellent discus breeder and very wise man. He has his opinion of what works well just like the rest of us and basically for the same reasons.... it's what works for us. I have met him and talked with him at length a few times and he never explained that one to me either. I have one of his books at home, when I get there I'll look to see if he explains it in there and edit my answer with a quote from the book if I find something to the point.
MM
2007-04-16 07:07:55 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of the previous entries stated something that I've read before as well in several of my fish books. Carbon just doesn't stay active for a very long time. It works better for allowing nitrifying bacteria to gain a foothold than anything, mainly because of all the pores present. I guess more of a biological filter than anything.
2007-04-16 08:04:52 · answer #2 · answered by lizzzy9 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well the reason I NEVER use a carbon in my filter is that it takes out vital nutrients from the water that the discus need to thrive on. If they have a carbon in long enough, you will start to see HITH (which is a symptom, not a disease) from poor water quality. Do not confuse HITH with HEX. Hex is a disease, HITH is not, but it CAN turn into HEX if not taken care of.
2007-04-16 23:22:57 · answer #3 · answered by Amber 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from what i've read about carbon in filters is that it expires really quickly anyway, only really fully functional for 48 hours, after that, pretty much pointless.
i asked the same question in a forum a few weeks ago, post is below.
2007-04-16 07:29:20 · answer #4 · answered by catx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋