14Discus
12-14-2018, 10:47 PM
My 75gallon Discus tank has perfect NH3 and NO2 levels I'm happy to say. The NO3 levels, however, were too high at 40-60ppm. I decided to try floating algae scrubbers by Santa-Monica Filtration in CA. While their site focuses on saltwater systems in their videos, I have these same units doing great with my freshwater 55g community tank, 75g Discus tank, and even in my 400g basement Koi pond used in the winter months. Be it known, I do not work for or represent this company in the least, but have to share the wonderful biological news.
My Nitrates have now dropped to 20-30ppm in the last three weeks:bounce2: Do also understand that the white cross-like pieces (cut latch-hook backing 1/8" squares roughened up w sandpaper) were added by me to increase the surface area for algal growth to attach to.....in addition to the yarn pieces that are attached to the unit bottoms as purchased. Please also realize that doing these does NOT increase the algae in the tank. In fact, by design, they do the opposite and actually rob the tank of NO3 used to grow algae in the tank. My algae in the tank has also been noticeably reduced. Btw.....my floating "surf" units are in my sumps, but could easily float on the tank water as well.
Since I'm a retired biology teacher goon, this kind of stuff really gets me going. One other real interesting thing about using these is the behavioral changes in the Discus fish themselves. Instead of being a bit nippy and territorial, they are noticeably more docile. I sincerely feel that lowering my NO3 levels has lowered much of my fish stress. :bounce:
I found that finger removal of algae strings and globs was difficult and tedious, so I leave the unit floating in the water with aeration on, lift the light lids, and lift the algae upward w a toothbrush. This removes the globs, but leaves growing algae in the unit to start again until next harvest in 2/3 weeks.
I realize that these units are pricey, but think about it. We spend large amounts of $ on fish, tanks, regular Filtration, chemicals, food and the like. Spending $ to ensure lower Nitrate levels is indeed logical.......it least it is to me. If you have questions, please post or pm me. I want the same success for you that I'm now enjoying. 120381
120382
My Nitrates have now dropped to 20-30ppm in the last three weeks:bounce2: Do also understand that the white cross-like pieces (cut latch-hook backing 1/8" squares roughened up w sandpaper) were added by me to increase the surface area for algal growth to attach to.....in addition to the yarn pieces that are attached to the unit bottoms as purchased. Please also realize that doing these does NOT increase the algae in the tank. In fact, by design, they do the opposite and actually rob the tank of NO3 used to grow algae in the tank. My algae in the tank has also been noticeably reduced. Btw.....my floating "surf" units are in my sumps, but could easily float on the tank water as well.
Since I'm a retired biology teacher goon, this kind of stuff really gets me going. One other real interesting thing about using these is the behavioral changes in the Discus fish themselves. Instead of being a bit nippy and territorial, they are noticeably more docile. I sincerely feel that lowering my NO3 levels has lowered much of my fish stress. :bounce:
I found that finger removal of algae strings and globs was difficult and tedious, so I leave the unit floating in the water with aeration on, lift the light lids, and lift the algae upward w a toothbrush. This removes the globs, but leaves growing algae in the unit to start again until next harvest in 2/3 weeks.
I realize that these units are pricey, but think about it. We spend large amounts of $ on fish, tanks, regular Filtration, chemicals, food and the like. Spending $ to ensure lower Nitrate levels is indeed logical.......it least it is to me. If you have questions, please post or pm me. I want the same success for you that I'm now enjoying. 120381
120382