changing the filter pads

[dandaman352]

So i recently changed my filter pads and I took out all the carbon pads also, and replaced them with regular filtration pads. Now that I dont have any carbon to take out my trace elements my question is how do I moniter my tank now since it wont prevent spikes and such. Any advice will do, for now I decided to do a small water change (I did 40% yesterday) and throw in some trace elements and prime. Any do's and don'ts will be welcome.

[ILLUSN]

your plants will tell you when you need to add trace elements, just keep an eye out for deficiencies in your faster growers (blue stricta is good for this)

[dandaman352]

I dont have a planted tank (silk plants for decorations)... but now all my discus's seem to be acting strange. Their fins are clamped and they are a bit sideways hiding in the back together. They refuse to swim out and I'm kind of worried as this has been going on for a couple of hours.

[ILLUSN]

hows your ammonia and N02?

you might have upset the filter when you cleaned it.

also check your ph, sometimes (if your filter is dirty) cleaningit can cause a ph jump (as theres less nitric acid in the system)

[dandaman352]

I dont have something to check it, but yesterday I did a huge water change and today I took some out. They should be at 0 but I can't check

[dandaman352]

Also put in some prime.

[nicholas76]

bio zorb pouches and several at that

[DiscusEden]

Most lfs, if you take a sample of your water in, would be willing to check the water for you.

[albatrozz]

Just might be stress, my discus always do the same when i clean the filter but they usually come back out the next day. They swimming out yet?

[dandaman352]

I just woke up to check on them and they are all bunched up in the corner. They only leave now if I feed them.

[taksan]

Buy some test kits .....