Nothing replaces water changes. But plants can help with water quality. I don't think anyone said anything about not doing water changes. Actually they just said "Live plants!!!". I think my discus are doing much better now in the planted 40breeder than in any other setup I have had them in.
Gee, did i miss something??
I never said anything detrimental about live plants. so i am not sure what your reference to "live plants in in reference to.
but some novice fishkeepers my get the impression that live plants may reduce the need for water changes.
as far as keeping discus in planted tanks..I do it myself.
I will say that in most cases discus raised in planted tanks may not achieve the size and stature of some of those kept in bare bottom tanks.
but will min most cases get to normal adult discus sizes.
" I do not see how 'overdosing' dechlorinators would be a problem. I think it is unnecessary and should not be done, but I do not think it is necessarily harmful.
Did they show any distress after adding the three chemicals?"
just because they may not show distress does not mean they may not suffer issues as a result of too many chemicals. history is full of instances where too much of a good thing proved harmful.
the effects of these chemicals may actually not be known or years. as they may accumulate over time to a point where there could be visible signs of toxicity.
a prime example is prolonged exposure to heavy metals.