carbon use or not to use

[RMB_discus]

Hello I am a new member and think this site is GREAT have picked up alot of very useful info. I'm going to try and give it another go and set up a Discus tank. I have abandend the idea of a planted tank for now and want to set up a bare bottom one. My ques. is do I use carbon to filter the water or just a sponge filter? If just sponge is used do you have to do a water change every day?

[Howie_W]

Hi RMB, and welcome to Simply! :)

There is huge amount of information available here in the beginners section. Here's a great place to get started;

http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=28937

Quick answer to your question; you do not need to use carbon. Daily water changes are a regular part of raising juvenile Discus, regardless of what type of filtration you use.


Howie

[rsawest@yahoo.com]

I agree, no need for carbon. According to Cary Strong, carbon removes the nutrients in the water. You need nutrients to grow your fish properly. That's been my experience.

[nacra99]

Hi RMB,
Welcome!

I agree with the rest, carbon is good for short term polishing of the water and removing toxins such as choramines and such, but as soon as it gets saturated, it will leach all the bad stuff back into the water. IMHO, it's much easier to omit the carbon altogether. More info here
http://forum.simplydiscus.com//showthread.php?t=31048

cheers
Marc