Currently my Freshwater Trickle Wet/Dry Sump Filter is divided into three sections:
Top Section (Mechanical Pre-Filter):
Contains the main tank overflow glass trickle plate where the water flows onto polyfiber replaced every three to four days. Underneath that is a single layer of green scour pads. Then the first trickle plastic divider plate.
Middle Section (Biological/Chemical):
Filled with Bio-Balls with a media bag filled with carbon on top of the balls so that a major portion of the water from the above section trickle plate goes through the carbon. Second trickle plastic divider plate with a bag of Zeolite tied underneath the bottom of the plate. The Bioballs and even the Zeolite are completely exposed to air.
Bottom Section; Wet Section
Currently empty of all media. Contains my AP1600 Powerhead only.
1.) Should I fill the bottom "wet" section?
I am confused as some say that it should be left empty to avoid clogging the pump and or propogating oxygen eating bacteria to live there which then defeats the dry section of the above section... while other websites say to fill her up!
a.) If yes, which media is best? More Bio-Balls; Stacking Scour Pads; or Scrubbies, etc. Money is not a concern; just healthy Discus.
b.) If no, should I seperate this section further from possible contamination and or gunk build up in between cleanings and water changes?
2.) More Pre-Filter Media... should I add more layers of the green scour pads? I have space for another three or four layers with still plenty of room for the Poly Fiber to be crammed in there. Or is it wiser to put in more Poly Fiber?
Top Section (Mechanical Pre-Filter):
Contains the main tank overflow glass trickle plate where the water flows onto polyfiber replaced every three to four days. Underneath that is a single layer of green scour pads. Then the first trickle plastic divider plate.
Middle Section (Biological/Chemical):
Filled with Bio-Balls with a media bag filled with carbon on top of the balls so that a major portion of the water from the above section trickle plate goes through the carbon. Second trickle plastic divider plate with a bag of Zeolite tied underneath the bottom of the plate. The Bioballs and even the Zeolite are completely exposed to air.
Bottom Section; Wet Section
Currently empty of all media. Contains my AP1600 Powerhead only.
1.) Should I fill the bottom "wet" section?
I am confused as some say that it should be left empty to avoid clogging the pump and or propogating oxygen eating bacteria to live there which then defeats the dry section of the above section... while other websites say to fill her up!
a.) If yes, which media is best? More Bio-Balls; Stacking Scour Pads; or Scrubbies, etc. Money is not a concern; just healthy Discus.
b.) If no, should I seperate this section further from possible contamination and or gunk build up in between cleanings and water changes?
2.) More Pre-Filter Media... should I add more layers of the green scour pads? I have space for another three or four layers with still plenty of room for the Poly Fiber to be crammed in there. Or is it wiser to put in more Poly Fiber?
