Peat And Sand (Fluidised Bed) Filters

[aquafrogstuff]

I'm holidaying in Hervey Bay QLD at the moment. Was intrigued to find a local fish shop (newly opened - www.aquahobby.com.au) that uses peat and sand filtration in addition to cannisters etc. Water in their main discus display tank is crystal clear.

There's a reasonable amount of info on the net about the principles behind peat and sand (fluidised bed) filtration, but not details such as flow rates through peat, flow rates through sand. I'm also wondering about disadvantages of the two filters. I understand excessive flow in the fluidised bed filters can result in sand entering the tank.

Comments on these filter types welcome for a (i.e. my) discus tank (150L) with existing cannister. Water still a little murky.

[aquafrogstuff]

Just found a DIY fluidised bed filter project if anyone's interested at http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_fbf.php