Deep Sand Beds In Discus Aquaria?

[Revision17]

I don't have any discus nor do I have any plans on getting them. However I am curious about their nitrate sensitivity and perhaps using a deep sand bed to export nitrates.

I know many places recommend very regular water changes to keep nitrates down (some as much as 15% every other day!). What if instead of water changes, a deep sand bed of silica sand (so you can keep the low pH) were used?

 

[jayjay]

Are you talking about doing this in a sump on the tank? There's no real reason against it. Personally I'd go for plants to export the nitrate. Hydroponics in the sump could work very well if done correctly.

 

[Revision17]

Yes, I mean in a sump. I know plants can be used for nitrate reduction effectively. I was just curious if there is a specific reason against using a DSB in a Discus (or really any freshwater) tank, since nobody seems to do it.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I think the best way to remove them is water changes, I do 30 percent a day and mine are always 0.

 

[jayjay]

Testing nitrate without a digital testing kit is often wrong.

Water changes only work if you have a low concentration of nitrate in the tap water. Though you can always use RO water if you wanted.