[SweetPoison]

I come from the Discus world and we do not advocate the use of carbon in our filters as it takes out nutrients needed in the water. Also it is believed that carbon contributes to HITH. We do use carbon for 24 hours after hitting the tank with meds after the treatment ~ to take out the medications.

I have never used carbon otherwise. Is it necessary for a community tank? I am getting ready to turn my 125 gallon tank into one!

[aunt kymmie]

I don't use carbon in any of my tanks. All my tanks are planted and as you say, carbon sucks all the nutrients out of the water that the plants need.
Just curious, why not another Discus tank?? Been there, done that??

[SweetPoison]

Originally Posted by aunt kymmie

I don't use carbon in any of my tanks. All my tanks are planted and as you say, carbon sucks all the nutrients out of the water that the plants need.
Just curious, why not another Discus tank?? Been there, done that??

Ya know. I so thought about. I love that fish! I raised these guys from quarter size ~ they require a lot of work, and daily water changes at least the first 6 months, IMO.

But....I just don't know! lol! I am so glad to hear you don't use carbon!

[zof]

Planted tank here to so I don't use carbon, carbon to me just seems like a stop gap measure for the lazy fish keeper, hence why all new HOB filters come with it. To me its just there to help cover neglect and negligence.

[aunt kymmie]

From a quarter size? Nice work. After all those multiple feedings and water changes no wonder you're think about doing something different!

[jeaninel]

No carbon here also. Just use it to remove meds when needed.

Your Discus were gorgeous. They are hard work but it looks like it paid off.

edit: I just noticed you are in Sac. I'm just south of you in Galt. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[SweetPoison]

Originally Posted by aunt kymmie

. After all those multiple feedings and water changes no wonder you're think about doing something different!

Ya think? You have no idea! I am a Discus pro, I will admit. But they are so much work ~ all my Discus I got store credit of $700 ~ I cried for days. Had bad dreams. Can barely look at this picture ~ it is only fish only fish! That is how I was able to move to Fronts and my 125 gallon from that 55gal.

[SweetPoison]

Originally Posted by jeaninel

No carbon here also. Just use it to remove meds when needed.

Your Discus were gorgeous. They are hard work but it looks like it paid off.

edit: I just noticed you are in Sac. I'm just south of you in Galt. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Thank you! Galt?? Seriously? How cool is that!! You are what, 20, 30 min from Sac!

We should meet, woman!

[SweetPoison]

Originally Posted by zof

Planted tank here to so I don't use carbon, carbon to me just seems like a stop gap measure for the lazy fish keeper, hence why all new HOB filters come with it. To me its just there to help cover neglect and negligence.

You're funny!

[bearwithfish]

i dont keep Discus but i have not used carbon in any fresh water tanks in over a year and a half and to be honest i like the tanks better with out it... (i used it briefly in a salt set up but learned fast that was not a good idea either LOL)