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Old 01-16-2009, 01:56 AM
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sphelps sphelps is offline
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Just wanted to add some points to your list

Pros
1) Mechanical filtration
Not the best source, filtration floss will do a much better job and is disposible so no cleaning is required.
2) Biological filtration. Nitrate isn't as bad as nitrite, ammonia. Bio balls do this very well.
Ammonia and nitrite will always read zero in an established tank with sufficient LR. Bio-balls do it too well and produce nitrate too quickly before you tank can complete the nitrogen cycle. Excess nitrate is the result and once a build up is created it is very difficult to remove.
3) Silencer - cuts down on water noise.
Many other alternatives here, filter floss will do the same and has other advantages.
4) With sufficient LR and DSB, your denitrifying bacteria will take care of your Nitrate.
Not necessarily true. The bio-media will disturb a natural nitrogen cycle and dentrification is not an easy process in an aquarium and also requires a carbon source to complete the reaction.

Last edited by sphelps; 01-16-2009 at 02:46 AM.
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