Hello again.
I've attached a very basic layout of my new proposed setup, if anyone can spot a problem please let me know.
The water from the tank, going into the proposed filter will be syphoned and controlled by a basic ball valve (to safe guard against power cuts). The water will then be drawn from the proposed filter into my existing external filter before passing through the inline, external heater on the way back to the tank.
Proposed Filter
This will be divided into 2 sections with a gap at the bottom for water to move through. The water will first pass through sponges (mechanical), then plastic scourers (biological), then some old aquarium sand at the bottom of the filter higher than the gap. On the other side I may put some hardy oxygenating plants, with an old aquarium light above, in an attempt to remove nitrates. I may also put a small aquarium heater in here, to help my inline heater maintain a higher temperature, (essential for the discus a plan to keep).
My main concern here is regarding the speed of the water being drawn into my existing filter. As the proposed filter is lower than the main tank, will the reduced gravitation effect on the syphoning be an issue
Existing Filter
If my concerns regarding the syphoning to this filter are unfounded, I may have to restrict the flow of water out of this filter by using a valve. This will stop my proposed filter from running dry. I plan to fill this filter with more biological media, my old bags of ceramic noodles and bio balls.
I recently read somewhere that a filter is more productive when the flow of water through it, is actually reduced. Apparently a fast flow means the bacteria have trouble feeding on the ammonia/nitrites. Has anybody else heard this? Would more biological media, particularly after the plants in the proposed filter be redundant? Would it be a better idea to leave the existing filter empty to aid water flow if needed?
I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to try and understand my scrambled thoughts and basic layout. All comments, ideas and constructive criticism will be valued, Thanks.
Stuart.