Trickle filter??

[reefworried124]

I was just thinking about something. You know how trickle filters aren't supposed to be good for a reef tank? What about for a freshwater tank? Because of my success with my reeftank sump, I was thinking about making a trickle filter for my piranha tank. Now, from what I understand, the bioballs used in trickle filters create nitrate? But is this as bad for freshwater fish?

[kwjones]

I don't think it's as bad in a fresh water tank. Your water will yellow as you get more disolved organics building up, as long as you run carbon and do water changes you're fine. I would think that with the right lights, you might be able to get around that with some aquatic plants. I have heard that planted fresh water tanks are just as demanding as a saltwater tank, but I couldn't say since I've never done a planted tank.

[Stang69]

I have heard that planted fresh water tanks are just as demanding as a saltwater tank, but I couldn't say since I've never done a planted tank.



In a a round about way yes this statment is correct.


A trickle filter will work well on a planted tank butt he ball IMO must be maintained as in rincing a part of them every water change soas not to have a excess build up of organics like poster above


I would give it a shot. Worst case ya can take the balls out and have a sump





Jeff

[tabwyo]

Fw systems(most) are much more tolerant of nitrate. In fact some require an elevated level for proper ecosystem balance. A trickle filter would work well in a tank with the fish you say. It will not, though, take care of itself. Larger fish means larger amounts of waste. A trikle filter would catch this and break it down quicker. Meaning your filter maint would need to be kept up on.